AFL Elite Heading to Gippsland for Umpire Development Sessions

Gippsland’s up-and-coming football umpires are set for a major boost this week as AFL Victoria and AFL Gippsland rolls out its brand-new Gippsland Umpire Development Program.

This program marks an exciting new initiative by AFL Victoria and AFL Gippsland specifically designed to support, resource, and elevate grassroots umpires across the Gippsland region.

Designed to complement local training and elevate grassroots officiating, the initiative brings elite AFL-listed umpires to the region for two intensive, fast-paced development sessions in Sale and Drouin.

What’s on the Agenda?

The program is highly targeted, focusing on practical skills and high-pressure match scenarios that local officials can immediately apply to their upcoming weekend games.

• Field Umpires: Will head indoors to tackle Match Management, with a heavy focus on communication strategies during challenging scenarios such as reports, melees, and post-siren decisions. This will be paired with outdoor skill drills.
• Boundary Umpires: Will focus on Safe Working Distance (SWD), anticipation of play, and boundary throws. Thanks to an excellent facilitator-to-umpire ratio, participants will get individualised coaching on their throwing technique alongside match-simulation drills.

Session Details & AFL Guest Lineup

Leigh Buwalda, AFL Victoria’s Umpire Recruitment & Retention Lead, will be on the ground to coordinate the sessions. A last-minute venue shuffle for the second session has unlocked a massive opportunity for local boundary umpires, securing a 10-time AFL Grand Final official to help lead the drills.

AFL Victoria, AFL Gippsland and local umpiring associations are incredibly excited to welcome our whistleblowers and boundary riders to what promises to be a fantastic couple of nights of development.

Thank you to our local Umpire Associations for identifying and supporting our cohort of Gippsland Umpire Development Program members for 2026.