The VFL player to umpire program will continue in 2016, and the search has begun for the next players to take up a pathway to umpiring.
Introduced in 2015, the first two participants - former Dandenong Stingrays and Frankston player Paul Rebeschini and former Vermont Eagle Cameron Dore - umpired in a local competition throughout the season but gained valuable experience training once a week with the VFL umpires to aid in their progression.
AFL Victoria Umpires Head Coach Cameron Nash said after the success of the program this year, the umpiring department is taking applications for next season.
“We are looking for former players that have played at a high level in a local competition, are fit and are looking for a new challenge,” Nash said.
“Players will be provided with extra coaching and mentoring to assist in their transition with the aim to be in a position to trial for a spot on the VFL Development Squad in 2017.”
Both Rebeschini and Dore umpired in the top divisions in their local competitions and are trialling over the preseason for a spot on the 2016 VFL Development Squad. If successful they will umpire in the TAC Cup and the VFL Development League in 2016.
“We are always trying to broaden the talent coming through and looking at ways to attract more people to umpiring,” Nash said.
“It can prove to be a genuine career path for a player that may have reached as high as they can in their playing career.”
Players after more information on the program can contact Cameron Nash at Cameron.Nash@aflvic.com.au
Last Modified on 25/11/2015 02:08
