State League Umpire Match Day Coach

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 State League & Talent Pathways (SLTP) Match Day Coach is a casual, important role providing integral support to umpires on match days. Holding technical expertise and experience relevant to an umpiring discipline, the Match Day Coach will positively impact the development of umpires. Match Day Coaches are important to the program achieving its purpose to service the game by supporting the development of individuals to be the best they can be via a safe, inclusive, high-performance program that produces a diverse talent pool of AFL/AFLW ready umpires.

Positions are open across all umpire disciplines (Field, Boundary or Goal) and squads (Development or Senior level) of umpires.

Senior Squad umpires officiate VFL Mens competition matches. Development Squad umpires officiate VFLW and/or Coates U18 competition matches.

Applicants are required to nominate discipline and squad when applying.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

At the direction of the discipline specific Head Coach, a Match Day Coach will attend matches (or others as directed). They will engage with and observe umpires at the matches and support the collation of relevant data and feedback within the SLTP match day feedback framework.

• In game responsibilities such as written and verbal feedback, observing matches
• Post game responsibilities such as written and verbal feedback, collecting and sharing data with head coach, cutting vision clips and sharing with umpire/head coach
• Remain up to date with weekly/relevant coaching materials
• High level knowledge and understanding of AFL Football Rules
• Progress the game, so everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

Requirements

• Own car / transport
• Own computer
• Reliability
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with technology
• Availability on Fri/Sat/Sun through the competition seasons (March – September)
• Metro and Regional travel may be required
• Commitment approx. 5-7 hours per match
• No expectation of attending umpire training or delivering coaching to umpires at training however opportunities for coaching development are available for those interested.

Must haves – what’s needed to help you be successful

Core competencies

• Umpiring experience (AFL and/or VFL/State League)
• Strong communication and written skills in particular the ability to provide honest, clear feedback
• Empathy and ability to build strong relationships built on trust
• Understanding of AFL industry and knowledge of the Laws of Australian Football
• Team orientated
• Own car / transport
• Own computer
• Comfortable with technology
• Availability on Fri/Sat/Sun through the competition seasons (March – September)
• Metro and Regional travel may be required
• Commitment approx. 5-7 hours per match
• No expectation of attending umpire training or delivering coaching to umpires at training however opportunities for coaching development are available for those interested.

Desirable

• Previous umpire coaching experience
• Exposure to Sportscode, SportsGauge, Hudl or other assessment, decision making or clip creation systems/programs

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

Applications Close: 16 November 2025