Football
25 February, 2025
Umpires participate in development program
The Wimmera Mallee Umpires Association and Ballarat Umpires Association came together in a coach development workshop at Alexandra Oval in Ararat on Sunday, February 23.
The day consisted of Personal Development sessions around the Environment and the importance of setting expectations, along with discipline-specific skills-based sessions (designed by the VFL) covering some drills that can be used as part of weekly training.
Coaches were also taken through the online feedback system (SportsGauge) that AFL Victoria provides access to, which will assist with umpires' development and experience.
AFL umpires Nathan Williamson (139 games), Callum Leonard (45 games), and Anthony Laughton (new this year after officiating the last two VFL grand finals) were also in attendance, sharing their experience.
This is the first time the program has been delivered outside of Melbourne, and the feedback from the umpires has been positive.