Umpire Recruitment & Retention Lead - NSW/ACT
Australian Football League Moore Park NSW 2021
Pay information not disclosed by advertiser
Key points we found
- Oversee recruitment and retention of community umpires and umpire coaches.
- Implement initiatives to strengthen umpire club environments and support development.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to drive diversity in community umpiring.
ABOUT US
As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Umpire Recruitment and Retention Lead will be responsible for overseeing the approach to recruiting and retaining community umpires and umpire coaches.
In supporting positive environments for umpires and opportunities for umpire development they will contribute to umpires coming to, and staying in, the game and ensuring there are sufficient umpires to support community football.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
- Deliver the National Umpiring Strategy to support recruitment, engagement, training, and transition of community umpires and umpire coaches
- Lead the establishment and delivery of localised recruitment and retention plans across all regions of NSW/ACT to drive umpire growth
- Support the development of content and rollout of curriculum aligned to the national umpire accreditation and development system
- Lead and deliver state-based initiatives to recruit new umpires and umpire coaches and increase diversity within community umpiring
- Embed transition programs and mechanisms to improve umpire retention across NSW/ACT
- Implement initiatives to strengthen umpire club environments, including upskilling and supporting umpire coaches
- Collaborate with the National Umpire Recruitment, Development and Retention Lead and other states to share best practice
- Drive diversity in community umpiring and support actions outlined in the Women and Girls Action Plan
- Support and contribute to the success of the broader Game Development team
OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER
- Demonstrated commitment to driving change
- Willingness to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver
outcomes - Ability to build and develop relationships
- Experience in delivering on multiple programs of work
- Experience and perspectives outside of community football or officiating would be highly
valuable - Confidence and ability to present to a diverse range of stakeholders and audiences
- Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, as required
- Self-driven and ability to work autonomously
OUR CULTURE
Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation
THE PERKS
- Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
- My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
- Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
- My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
- AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!
Applications Close:
14 April 2026
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Australian Football League
The game was called footy in the 1850s. It became known as Victorian Rules when it spread to the other states in the 1870s. In the early twentieth century, with the formation of the Australasian Football Council as the national governing body, which at the time included New Zealand, it was officially called the Australasian Game of Football which evolved to Australian Football.
For several years the captains acted as umpires. Players wore caps and kicked a round ball. There was no set playing time. The first team to score two goals was declared the winner. Many early games ended when it got dark or because of quarrels. Sometimes the game stopped because the footy burst – footballs were way too expensive for spares to be kept on hand.
One of the first games to be reported was played on and after 7 August 1858 between Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College. It was played in the park outside where the Melbourne Cricket Ground is today, on a ground about 600 metres long. After four hours it grew dark, with the scores level at one goal each. The teams played for a total of a further eight hours over another two Saturdays, but no further goals were scored and the game was declared a draw.