Umpiring in the ACT

The ACT umpires are like most umpires everywhere - fairly conscientous people trying to do a pretty demanding job with little appreciation and support and in seemingly ever decreasing numbers. Typically, they are always on the lookout for new recruits - and in the case of umpires, recruits can be of any age (from teens on preferably), experience and fitness - although having two good eyes is important (just kidding...).

Umpires are required for Senior and Junior Level competitions and depending on certain aspects of your ability and keenness you may find yourself soon handling Senior games along with other experienced "men in white" (we should point out here that umpiring is not necessarily a domain of guys either and girls/women are more than welcome to have a go). For beginners then handling the Junior level games or the lower grades of the Senior competition will be ideal ways to ease yourself into the game.

The paradox with umpiring is that the game cannot exist without it, yet the less interference in a game by them makes for the best games. The best compliment an umpire can receive is one where the players/coaches mention they hardly noticed the "umpie".

Types of Umpires

Central. These umpires control the game. As a central umpire you may find yourself handling the game on your own (generally in the lower Junior levels) or as part of a two or three man team depending on the grade.

Boundary. This requires patrolling the boundary line to handle throw-ins, out-on-the full events, kick-in issues, shots for goal (assisting the goal umpires) and assisting the central umpires in centre-square infringements. This is a demanding role considering the running involved.

Goal. Determines the scoring of attempts at goal.

Umpires of Juniors

While good umpiring at the Senior level is important, it is arguable that good umpiring at the Junior level is just as important. If kids are to develop a healthy respect for umpires then it's best done by experiencing what good umpires are like rather than having it rammed down their throats that they must respect the umpire. This is not to imply they have to be "perfect" with their decisions but simply be good communicators.

We struggle for any umpires so getting "good" umpires for the juniors is extremely difficult. Anyone who has played the game and is able to afford an hour a week to handle a junior level game should consider having a go. We have found that ex-players can provide the communication the kids need by chatting to them on an "ex-player to current-player" level and are especially good at explaining decisions in a way the kids understand. They also understand the frustration the kids may sometimes go through with being on the wrong side of decisions and are good at defusing things (for that matter some of the better Senior umpires are also ex players).

The Junior Jets would love to have any of the parents who feel like they can contribute by umpiring, get in touch with us to indicate where (which grade) they would like to be a whistle-blower in. The League has indicated it is happy to have home-game team umpires if it means games are covered that way.

How much can you get?

Payments to umpires are made for those handling the competition level grades in the Juniors (under 12's) through to the Senior level grades. Earnings this year (2004) will be similar to previous years, i.e. from $30 for an under 12 game up to $55 for an Under 16 game.

Earnings for the Senior level grades and/or whether other umpiring roles are also paid (and if so, how much) can be obtained by contacting Ross Norgate (below).

Assistance with training equipment, material and uniforms is provided.

Where do you train?

Umpire training is each Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm at Manuka Oval and all are welcome. A basic umpiring course will be provided and the optional "physical" training is available to you at Manuka, with the senior umpires.

Who to contact?

If you have any questions about umpiring in the Junior League (or at a Senior level) in 2004, please do not hesitate to contact: