Outer East Celebrates Women in Umpiring

The Outer East Football and Netball League has celebrated their inaugural 'Women in Umpiring Day', a new initiative introduced to recognise the achievements and contribution of female umpires within the league, and to encourage more women to participate in umpiring.

In Saturday's May 21 matchup between Emerald and Belgrave at Chandler Reserve, umpires Shannyn Gereg, Veronica Brown and Ella Priestley officiated the reserves game, whilst in a first for the league and the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association, an all-female umpiring team also officiated the Senior Men's game, celebrating the occasion by wearing pink uniforms. Sam Price and Sophie Mastaing were the field umpires and were joined by Taylah Priestley, Georgia Priestley, and Chloe Siddall on the boundary with Amelia Gemmill and Sarah Fishley in goals.

Outer East Umpires in pink uniforms to celebrate Women in Umpiring Day. Photo Bethany Hutchison

In attendance to toss the coin and watch the umpires in action, AFL Head of Umpiring Dan Richardson said it was fantastic to see the league celebrating its umpires and creating an inclusive environment.

“It was great to see the senior men’s game officiated by a full female umpiring panel - a first for the league."

"The umpires did really well, and it's a credit to them, the Outer East FNL, its players and fans at the game for creating an inclusive environment. It shows what can be achieved."

Also in attendance was specialist in Health Psychology, Dr Mandy Ruddock-Husdon, and television presenter and mental health advocate, Brad McEwan, who joined the teams for a post-game function and provided players with a short presentation about females in sport and how to support them, particularly in male dominated environments. 

Outer East FNL Head of Umpiring John Howorth said the introduction of 'Women in Umpiring Day' comes at an important time for community football with recruitment and support for umpires a continued focus going forward.

“This year we have recruited 54 new umpires to our group, 45 of whom have never umpired before and nine of which are female, taking our total female umpiring group to 16" he said.

"It's pleasing to see the growth of umpiring and female participation within the league, and we hope that this day will encourage more umpires to get involved and have a go."

If you're interested in getting involved in umpiring, head to umpire.afl