NTFL Umpire Head Coach
Date: 20 Jul 2026
Location: Darwin, Northern Territory, AU
Company: Australian Football League
Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.
This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.
The opportunity
The NTFL Umpire Head Coach plays an important role in supporting the growth, development and performance of umpires across the Northern Territory’s premier football competition.
Working with the AFLNT Umpiring Team, this role will help deliver the NTFL Umpiring Program across field, boundary and goal umpiring, creating an environment where umpires feel supported, included and able to grow.
The NTFL is a semi-professional summer competition with national reach, strong community connection and a unique football culture. This is an opportunity to contribute to a program with real momentum, supporting Territory-based umpires to develop their craft and pursue future pathway opportunities.
This is a casual role based in Darwin, NT.
What you’ll own
You’ll help lead the operational delivery of the NTFL Umpiring Program, working closely with AFLNT, umpire coaches and umpires to build a connected, consistent and development-focused environment.
You’ll add value through:
- Leading a safe, inclusive and accountable umpiring environment that supports excellence and continuous improvement
- Supporting the development, retention and performance of umpires across field, boundary and goal disciplines
- Providing leadership and guidance to NTFL umpire coaches in weekly training, planning and long-term development activity
- Coordinating umpire training programmes aligned to AFLNT’s development pathway and programme goals
- Providing coach development through targeted, practical feedback that supports learning and improvement
- Working with umpire coaches and the AFLNT Umpiring Lead to support appointment processes
- Communicating with AFLNT staff on programme requirements, priorities and opportunities for improvement
- Helping strengthen coaching and feedback systems that support umpires to grow and perform
- Supporting the broader direction of Project 500 by contributing to a thriving and sustainable umpiring community across the Territory
What you’ll bring
- Experience as an umpire and/or umpire coach at senior levels
- Strong understanding of AFL rules, umpiring techniques and match-day expectations
- Proven ability to lead with professionalism, build trust and support a positive team culture
- Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, umpires and football operations staff
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to provide clear, constructive and targeted feedback
- Ability to identify strengths and development needs in others and support learning through coaching, guidance and role modelling
- Experience designing, delivering or evaluating structured training and development programmes
- Sound judgement, care for others and a commitment to creating an environment where people feel they belong and can keep growing
Why you’ll love being on our team
At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters.
This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.
What you can look forward to:
- Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
- My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
- Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
- My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners
Everyone has a place here
Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.
We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box, if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.
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.
Ready to play your part?
Applications close 4 August 2026