Umpire Education Coordinator NSW

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 so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

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 Education Coordinator will coordinate and deliver the development, implementation and support of the broader umpire coaching network across NSW/ACT. The role will provide and deliver contemporary education programs and initiatives for umpire coaches and related roles across all competitions and leagues. It will focus on ensuring we are driving quality and support for increased performance of the AFL NSW/ACT umpire network.

The aim is to engage coaches and umpires through a variety of new and existing networks, digital platforms and series of programs and workshops, to enhancing coaching excellence at all levels of the game, driving a greater experience for coaches, players and administrators.

Our goal at the AFL is to progress the game so that everyone can share its heritage and possibilities, and this role truly contributes to this goal.

This is a critical role based in Sydney, that will continue to drive Australian Rules Football (AFL) to be a more accessible game for all to enjoy the benefits that sport has to offer.

Key Relationships

• State Umpire coaches' colleagues and networks
• AFL Sydney Coach and Umpire groups
• Other team members in the Umpire and Coaching team
• NSW/ACT Community Football Managers and team members
• Growth and Experience colleagues

Job Profile

• Manage and enhance the umpire coaching programs in each league.
• As a priority support AFL Sydney coaches, panels and stakeholders to have access to expertise, footage, and various resources to enhance overall umpire experience, retention and performance.
• Support resources, education and programs are available and accessed by club umpires.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives to grow the umpire base as required.
• Appoint umpire coaching staff and periodically review their performance as required inline with associations.
• Ensure umpires are competent in completing all match day responsibilities including match day paperwork
• Investigate match related incidents, code of conduct and behavioural issues and follow up as required in conjunction with the relevant internal & external stakeholders
• Receive umpire reviews and disseminate to the umpires as required in key leagues
• Conduct mid-season and end of year umpire group reviews
• Advocate umpiring programs ensuring quality match day environments to clubs
• Provision of assistance with appointments of umpires where required
• Support and conduct local initiatives in line with the AFL's National Umpiring Development Strategy
• Ensure attendance and presence to support the role, football community and events as required
• Align with Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS Coaching and Academy teams to maximise exposure and learning from elite coaches in market.
• Executing umpire coaching initiatives or programs to support greater diversity in all levels of coaches through Women and Girls, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous communities.
• Support various AFL programs and projects as required across AFL/NSW ACT.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership skills and development of high performing teams
• Strong networking skills and in particular the ability to collaborate, influence and facilitate outcomes internally and with external stakeholders
• Proven planning and implementation capabilities
• Well-developed verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proven business development skills and outstanding stakeholder relationship management skills
• Well-developed negotiation, research and analytical skills and the ability to seek innovative solutions
• Capacity to remain effective when faced with changing tasks, responsibilities or people
• Strong commercial acumen
• Due to the nature of the sporting industry must be willing to work outside normal business hours from time to time such as evenings and weekends

Mandatory

• 3-5 years' experience working with umpire or coaching programs, networks or clubs.
• Understanding of current trends and practices and issues that support growth and education of umpires and or coaches.
• Energy, drive, enthusiasm and self-motivation coupled with a strong work ethic and "can do" approach
• Ability to innovate, challenge convention and manage change
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and high level of stakeholder management
• Proven leadership and stakeholder relationship management skills
• Knowledge of education and community participation sectors
• Ability to mentor and create positive learning environments for staff and volunteers
• Proficient problem-solving skills
• A track record of managing multiple tasks and prioritising projects to ensure timely delivery 

Desirable

• Understanding of contemporary trends, processes and issues relating to community umpiring
• Elite coaching background or experience.

OUR CULTURE

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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: 1 December 2025