By MARK WESTGARTH – WRFL Umpiring Director
Over the past few months, newly arrived adult migrants in Melbourne’s west have been involved with umpiring in the WRFL.
The newly formed Diversity Umpiring Academy in Flemington has been providing men and women of African and Somali backgrounds the chance to get involved with the sport as well as an earn an income through umpiring.
Up to 15 participants have been involved with the program, which aims to educate multicultural people about AFL.
Phil Henderson, a WRFL life member and umpire, has taken charge of the group and has been working with the enthusiastic participants since February.
Four of the umpires involved with the Academy have already umpired an official WRFL match. The quartet (pictured alongside other WRFL Umpires) helped officiate an Under-19 match back in Round 1.
The WRFL umpiring group continues to promote diversity in their ranks.
Deng Deng was the first Sundanese umpire to officiate a Division 1 match. He was a part of the umpiring group to officiate Werribee Districts’ season opener.
Deng will umpire in the WRFL’s premier division this weekend, he will be involved in the Deer Park’s clash with St Albans.
In other umpiring news, Maree Wilke was the first female appointed coach of the WRFL Umpires, she has taken charge of the boundary umpires in 2017.
Maree is highly qualified, bringing her unique skills in mentoring to help develop the young group of boundary umpires this season.
Paul Dimartino is the new field umpires coach. Paul has experience at VFL level and currently observes in the VFL squad. He will provide another level of expertise for the 2017 group and challenge all umpires to achieve their potential.
This weekend we will also be celebrating the AFL Community Umpiring Round.
In the WRFL, the relationship between clubs and umpires is very good and the respect shown by all people involved in the WRFL is a credit to everyone in our game.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone the best of luck throughout the season. I hope to catch up with as many WRFL people as possible in season 2017.
Enjoy the footy.
Last Modified on 02/05/2017 17:37