Gippsland Umpires Association member Daniel Jacob is building his umpiring experience in Canberra, earning selection in the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Umpiring Academy.
A level two accredited boundary umpire, Daniel relocated to Canberra this year for university study.
A new initiative, the NSW/ACT Umpiring Academy targets accredited goal and boundary umpires who have the talent and desire to officiate in the North Eastern Australia Football League.
The NEAFL is the state league competition for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.
AFL clubs Sydney Swans, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns field reserves teams in this competition.
The NSW/ACT Umpiring Academy is designed to identify and provide specialist coaching to talented boundary and goal umpires who have genuine potential and interest to umpire state league football within a three-year period.
Currently, the AFL has three boundary umpires from New South Wales and the ACT on its list, and aim to increase that number to five.
One of three boundary umpires selected from his umpiring group in AFL Canberra, Daniel is one of 13 boundary umpires who will participate in the program.
Daniel will benefit from one-on-one coaching from current AFL listed boundary umpire Robert Taylor as part of the program.
Daniel returned home during his university break, umpiring the east division grand final rematch between Buln Buln and Longwarry in round one and will aim to build on his strong start to the season.
NSW/ACT Academy Umpires will have the opportunity to umpire in local carnivals, much like the AFL Victoria Country Umpire Academy on offer to talented umpires in country Victoria.
The AFL Victoria Umpire Academy provides development opportunities for talented young umpires aspiring to take the next step to umpire state league football.
The GUA have a number of members who will officiate in the country championships next Saturday May 23, having earned the opportunity through involvement in the Academy program.
Anyone interested in umpiring can contact Michael Talbot on 0466 998 620 or email guaumpire@gmail.com
Last Modified on 05/06/2015 12:15