Hi all junior umpires,
As we approach season 2025, it is worth noting some changes that I need your support in introducing to the region:
Communication Platforms
Facebook Group
Particularly for parents, this Facebook group will be a fantastic resource for communication. Through this group, we will be able send out announcements for umpires and parents of umpires in the junior space!
Search for “Junior Umpires – AFL South East”
Officials HQ
Officials HQ/Ref Assist will remain the AFL South East’s appointments and pay platform, as it is for the rest of the country. Through here umpires will still be able to add unavailability, receive pay slips, accept match appointments and complete match day paperwork. I will upload some links to some tutorials that may be helpful in better utilising OHQ.
If you haven’t already, please register today by logging in through the below website:
You will be prompted to connect your AFL iD. For umpires who play, you will already have an account for playing. For umpires who only umpire, it’s a quick 2-minute process! Just follow the prompts.
Also, please complete your modules through Officials HQ! In 2025, if you haven’t completed them, we cannot appoint you to games – it’s as simple as that.
To do so Logon to OHQ > Account > Connected Accounts > Get e-learning link > Go to e-learning platform > scroll down and click ‘Complete the Umpire Education Modules’ > Enrol in and complete the 2025 Umpire Education Package.
Umpire Experience Leads
Throughout all AFL South East training bases, we will be appointing an Umpire Experience Lead to each base. They will be the go-to contact for any administrational queries you may have as well as acting as an oversight to ensuring our training bases are as safe and inclusive as possible.
Junior Training Bases
In 2025, we will operate on-site training fortnightly at each base with a training calendar to be distributed in the new year. You will be able to attend weekly at a different base if you would like with content to be delivered as per a schedule we will release also in the new year. In lieu of the rotation, there will be an online session and quiz every week for those who can’t train or only train fortnightly at their nearest training base.
Our training bases in 2025 will be run out of:
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Rosebud
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Mornington
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Cranbourne
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Officer
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Frankston
This will be a big move that we will trial and change as required on the needs of our umpires.
End of Season Survey
Numbers of completed surveys will overall poor and I would love some more information from umpires about what worked, what didn’t and what you’d like to see the AFL South East try. If you haven’t already completed the survey, please take 5 minutes out of your day to help make the AFL South East a desirable umpiring location for all!
AFL Nines – Social
Through AFL Victoria, we will be able to provide our umpiring group a completely FREE opportunity to play AFL Nines on 4th December at Kananook Reserve. The SUA will be putting on a BBQ for all after the game! Please register your attendance through the following link:
Have a safe and joyous festive season!
To all AFL South East umpires, I hope the festive season is kind to you and your loved ones! Look after yourselves and we look forward to returning for the 2025 season!
Ryan Mann will be available via phone or email right up until Christmas and then returning 13th January!