Club Development Program 2006

AFL Capricornia Umpires Association Inc was funded $4,000 under the Club Development Program 2006 to accredit umpires to support Australian Football at Rockhampton.

The Association commenced it's project with an initial accreditation process involving written theory, physical training and performance assessments. This initiative resulted in six newly accredited umpires being available to officiate at the commencement of the 2007 season.

During the remainder of the project period, the Association facilitated:

• a coaching seminar by top level AFL Field Boundary and Goal Umpires;
  
• an end of season performance review, goal setting, fitness programs and pre-season physical and theory sessions which became on-going sessions throughout the season; and
  
• practical umpiring sessions with a minimum of three individual performance assessments to complete accreditation.

At completion of the project the Association gained 34 junior or new adult umpires who have completed a Level O Basic Umpire Course. Of these, 16 also completed the initial steps of a Level I accreditation (a 2 year program). Twelve of the junior umpires are actively supported in their umpiring role by their parents.  

As a result of the successful completion of the project, AFL Capricornia Senior and Junior Leagues can provide 70% of the required game officials each week. The shortfall is still met by umpires officiating more than one game per day but this is a great improvement on the situation of three years ago when only 25% of required officials could be supplied. 

Earlier in 2007, an annual competition involving junior teams from Rockhampton, Gladstone and surrounding areas was held. There were sufficient umpires available to officiate the substantial number of games being played and provide breaks of at least a game's duration for the officials involved. This is the first time in a number of years this number of officials has been available. 

In addition, there is greater acceptance in the AFL community that officials are appropriately educated and qualified to perform their role. This has been evident in player and spectator attitudes towards officials.

Club Development Program 2006

AFL Capricornia Umpires Association Inc was funded $4,000 under the Club Development Program 2006 to accredit umpires to support Australian Football at Rockhampton.

The Association commenced it's project with an initial accreditation process involving written theory, physical training and performance assessments. This initiative resulted in six newly accredited umpires being available to officiate at the commencement of the 2007 season.

During the remainder of the project period, the Association facilitated:

• a coaching seminar by top level AFL Field Boundary and Goal Umpires;
  
• an end of season performance review, goal setting, fitness programs and pre-season physical and theory sessions which became on-going sessions throughout the season; and
  
• practical umpiring sessions with a minimum of three individual performance assessments to complete accreditation.

At completion of the project the Association gained 34 junior or new adult umpires who have completed a Level O Basic Umpire Course. Of these, 16 also completed the initial steps of a Level I accreditation (a 2 year program). Twelve of the junior umpires are actively supported in their umpiring role by their parents.  

As a result of the successful completion of the project, AFL Capricornia Senior and Junior Leagues can provide 70% of the required game officials each week. The shortfall is still met by umpires officiating more than one game per day but this is a great improvement on the situation of three years ago when only 25% of required officials could be supplied. 

Earlier in 2007, an annual competition involving junior teams from Rockhampton, Gladstone and surrounding areas was held. There were sufficient umpires available to officiate the substantial number of games being played and provide breaks of at least a game's duration for the officials involved. This is the first time in a number of years this number of officials has been available. 

In addition, there is greater acceptance in the AFL community that officials are appropriately educated and qualified to perform their role. This has been evident in player and spectator attitudes towards officials.