Women in football living the dream Umpires heading to state champs
The AFL Women’s competition hasn’t only inspired women playing the game, with a clear pathway also available to the elite level for female umpires.
For Gippsland Umpires Association members Jess Mills, Megan Vistarini and Courtney Watson, further hard work honing their craft could see them go all the way to the elite level.
Part of AFL Victoria’s Umpire Academy program, the trio are already on the pathway following selection to officiate in the under 16 state country championships..
They will take to the field in matches at Morwell and Bendigo across the next two months, keeping a watchful eye over some of Victoria Country’s best under 16 talent, who are fighting for a spot to stay the path themselves with selection in their respective TAC Cup squads.
The selection follows a whirlwind 12 months of acceleration through the umpiring ranks for the girls, who all officiated at the under 15 state country championships in the Latrobe Valley last year.
Jess also had the added bonus of being picked to walk in the AFL grand final parade and officiate an Auskick grid game at half time of the Western Bulldogs’ historic grand final win over Sydney.
Local community umpire coaches Allan Magor and Davyd Reid will also be involved at the under 16 championships as mentors to goal and boundary umpires respectively.
The GUA can assist umpires who are keen to test themselves on the pathway to the elite level, and welcome new members of all ages.
Anyone interested in umpiring with the GUA can phone 0413 376 759 or email gippslandumpires@outlook..com.