Former Gippsland Umpires Association member Daniel Jacob capped a big first year of umpiring in Canberra, officiating the AFL Canberra Division 1 grand final at Manuka Oval recently.
Earning the honour of selection in Canberra’s top grand final, Daniel was part of the umpiring team to take charge of the big match between the Queanbeyan Tigers and Belconnen Magpies, with greater accuracy helping the Tigers win 15-5 (95) to 10-11 (71).
Outside of the North Eastern Australia Football League, AFL Canberra Division 1 is the premier competition in the Australian Capital Territory.
A level two accredited boundary umpire, Daniel relocated to Canberra this year for university study.
The grand final selection capped a big year for Daniel, who had earlier had earned selection in the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Umpiring Academy.
A new initiative, the NSW/ACT Umpiring Academy targets accredited goal and boundary umpires who have the talent and desire to officiate in the NEAFL.
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.
One of three boundary umpires selected from his umpiring group in AFL Canberra, Daniel was one of 13 boundary umpires who participated in the program.
Daniel benefited from one-on-one coaching from current AFL listed boundary umpire Robert Taylor as part of the program.
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.
Last Modified on 29/09/2015 13:08