Experienced AFL umpire Nathan Williamson has delivered valuable insights into the standards and expectations of officials at the top level as part of the annual State Umpire Coach Conference at Revo Fitness Stadium in Claremont.
About 40 umpire coaches from across junior, community, regional and state programs were part of the conference which was based on the theme “Expanding Our Thinking”.
Daniel Gibbons, Community Umpiring and Pathways Manager at WA Football, has detailed the benefits of having guest speakers such as Williamson, AFL Boundary Umpire Jordan Russell, AFL Goal Umpire Brett Rogers and former AFL champion Peter Bell.
“Having AFL insight in the room isn’t about copying what happens at the elite level,” Gibbons said.
“It’s about understanding the principles behind it and thinking about how those ideas can be translated into community coaching.
“We were really fortunate to learn from people with strong AFL experience.”
The day focused on growth, curiosity and continuous improvement in how coaches support umpires across the pathway.
“This conference is about giving umpire coaches the chance to step back and think a bit more broadly about their role, not just the drills they run, but how their behaviours, the environments they create and the conversations they have shape the umpire experience,” Gibbons added.
“We know the quality of the coaching experience has a big influence on whether umpires feel supported, challenged and want to keep going.
“If we want healthy umpiring programs, we have to keep investing in the people who coach them.”
The conference reinforced the critical role umpire coaches play in building umpire confidence, enjoyment and long-term retention.
Sessions focused on coaching behaviour, learning environments and practical application, rather than theory alone.
The conference created valuable space for junior, community and state-level coaches to connect.
Gibbons declared the event strengthened relationships and helped build a shared understanding across the umpire coaching community.
“Strong umpiring starts with strong coaching, and this conference is one of the ways we continue to support and invest in coaches who play such an important role at every level of the game,” he said.
The State Umpire Coach Conference forms part of WA Football’s ongoing commitment to umpire coach development, with a focus on supporting coaches so umpires continue to feel supported, challenged and engaged throughout.
