22-Jul-2008

AFL Mentoring Program.

The Umpire Mentoring Program is an umpire education and development program that aims to use experienced umpires to mentor new and inexperienced umpires.

The mentoring program connects new and inexperienced umpires with an umpiring mentor to assist them with their early development. The mentor program entitles the new and inexperienced umpire to wear a coloured shirt to signify that they are learning their craft and are being supported by a mentor.

At the end of this season the mentor program will also be used to identify experienced umpires who may be suitable candidates for training as an umpire mentor or coach. By offering these opportunities to experienced umpires it hoped that it will be a way of keeping them interested and involved in umpiring, especially for those who are considering retiring from their on field involvement. 

Both the new umpire and mentor receive a benefits pack in addition to their training as a means of recognition and support for their contribution to the game.

The DUA has and will continue to be a strong supporter of this program.  It is available to all NEW umpires, Field, Boundary and Goal.  Once graduated from the program, the umpire can remain in the uniform supplied or chose to purchase the DUA's own uniform. 

The DDJFL offers an incentive to all umpires to graduate from the program, by reimbursing the cost of the mentoring kits in full.

AFL Accreditation - Level 1 & 2.

After a graduate from the mentoring program has completed their first year, they become eligible to progress to Level 1 accreditation.  Level 1 is offered to Field, Boundary and Goal umpires.

Once completion of Level 1 is attained, the umpire becomes eligible to perform the Level 2 accreditation. 

At the DUA, we do not allow an umpire to perform more than one level at a time.

If an umpire wants to progress to the AFL, they must complete Level 2 before they join a development squad.