Like the clubs, the umpires are building up for another finals campaign. Their preparations will be aided with a visit from AFL NSW/ACT Umpiring Developing Officer, Carl Fletcher this week.
Fletcher, who also doubles as an accomplished Sydney AFL umpire, will conduct/take part in a range of activities geared to help develop the current umpires and open up new doors for players looking to step into umpiring.
On Thursday, Carl will travel to Coffs Harbour to train and meet with the Umpiring Group. The North Coast group possesses a number of valuable stalwarts, with the last couple of years also breeding some young talent that has come through the junior system. Luke Petersen (up to umpiring Reserves) and Ben Miller (Under 16s and boundary umpire for Senior Rep match earlier this year) are two such umpires showing promise.
On Saturday, Carl will run a game and have a look at the talent in the area before travelling to Port Macquarie on Sunday to observe and mentor the junior umpires, led this year by former player and another new umpire to the ranks, in Mick Tritton.
Last Modified on 21/07/2009 19:50