The WA Talent Academy of Umpiring and WAFC District Umpire Talent Squad
The role of the Academy and Talent Squad is to enhance the development of umpires from community football, as well as provide a pathway into WAFL and Senior Community umpiring.
The Talent Squad program begins in October, where the trialing umpires officiate in the WAFL 14's and 15's carnivals. The umpires who are selected for the talent squad begin training the following season as a group in February.
During the season, the talent squad trains on Monday and Wednesday nights, where they complete both practical and theory sessions, receive feedback about their previous weeks performance, as well as fitness testing throughout the year.
The top performing Talent Squad umpires will be invited to progress to the Academy the following year or for some an invite will be offered to trial for the WAFL panel, for others, opportunities will be presented in Senior Community football or to continue on in the talent squad.
The Academy trains on Tuesday and Thursday nights with the WAFL panel. They receive specialized training as well as getting a taste for what it takes to be a WAFL umpire. Once completing the Academy program the successful umpires are invited to trial for the WAFL panel the following year.
The Academy and Talent Squad provide the umpires for the PSA 1st XVIII competition (6 umpires) and Senior Community Football.
Neither program is limited to one year, with some being invited back for a second year. At the conclusion of both programs, the umpires are given a review of their season from the coaching staff, as well as the next step for that umpire.
The West Australian Academy of Umpiring - providing a pathway for our talented umpires.
All Development inquiries should be directed to Tim Priest, Paul Pitchers or Glenn Omodei on 93815599
