AFL Goulburn Murray and Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association are running an umpiring skills session at Kialla Recreation Reserve on Thursday, April 17.
The clinic is open for all school-aged children to participate.
Thursday's session will go from noon to 4pm and will provide insight into the life of an AFL and AFLW umpire, while there will also be giveaways, prizes and more.
AFL Goulburn Murray regional director of umpiring Andrew Moore said he was hopeful the clinic would increase the number of umpires in the area.
“(Umpire numbers) are not too bad, we could always have more,” Moore said.
“This is a great opportunity to come down and get your first taste of umpiring, see if it is something you want to do.
“We are always looking for more numbers, let’s be honest, our numbers are okay at the moment, but we are happy to have more on board.”
AFL field umpire Alex Whetton, AFL boundary umpire Matt Jenkinson, AFLW field umpire Sam Ritchie and AFLW boundary umpire Emily Best will be attending the clinic.
Moore said Thursday would be a chance for future umpires to learn the craft from the game’s best.
“AFL and AFLW umpires will be there and they will be taking on-field skill drills,” he said.
“They will be teaching the fundamentals of umpiring in each different discipline.
“They will speak about their day-to-day lives and the pathway they took to get to the AFL or AFLW and what the next process is now to reach the top or the pinnacle, grand finals and finals.”
As school holidays continue to roll on, the umpiring clinic provides parents with an opportunity for their children to be taught about the other side of the game they love.
Moore said umpiring was an activity for people of all backgrounds and fitness levels.
“Whether you are a good runner or just like to enjoy football, there really is something for everyone,” he said.
“You don’t need a good knowledge of football to become an umpire, we can help improve your knowledge and teach you the game and the role of the umpire with our trained coaches.
“This is the perfect opportunity to come down and find out what it is all about.
“The bonus of umpiring is you get paid.
“You get paid pretty good money to run around or wave the flags on the weekend.”
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