A new initiative will this year be introduced by the AFL Victoria umpiring department, with the launch of the VFL player to umpire program.
Based on the successful AFL player to umpire program which targeted former AFL/VFL players, the new state level program will recruit top line local footballers to be involved.
With many of local umpiring groups also targeting former players, this new program will now provide a pathway from local football to state league umpiring.
Earlier this month the first two participants in the inaugural VFL player to umpire program were announced, in former Dandenong Stingrays and Frankston player Paul Rebeschini and former Vermont Eagle Cameron Dore.
“In umpiring we are always trying to broaden the talent coming through and looking at ways to attract more people to umpiring,” AFL Victoria State League Umpiring Coach Cameron Nash said.
“The success of Jordan Bannister, Leigh Fisher and more recently 2014 VFL Grand Final umpire Brent Wallace coming through the AFL player to umpire program gave me the idea of trying to recruit top local players who may not fit the criteria for the AFL program to possibly come through the VFL system.
“Both Paul and Cameron tick the boxes to progress in this program, with successful playing careers in strong competitions - plus they are fit, athletic and are in their mid 20s.
“I am confident they will quickly pick up the skills needed to umpire firstly at local level then at state level in the future.
Rebeschiniand Dore have started training Thursday nights with the VFL squad in a bid to fast track their development and put them in a position to trial for the 2016 VFL Development Squad.
They will also be guided by former VFL senior umpire Jarrod Waight at training, along with former players Andre Gianfagna (VFL) and Kayne Nund (QAFL/NEAFL) who will be their mentors.
Their progress during the season with the Southern Umpires (Rebeschini) and VAFA (Dore) will be monitored with feedback provided.
Last Modified on 24/03/2015 22:22
