State League Umpiring Assistant Coach - Field

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 – This is a seasonal part-time role, approximately 4hrs per week from Jan – Sep 2026

Purpose – why this role is important  

The State League & Talent Pathways (SLTP) Assistant Development Coach – Field is a specialist position providing integral support to the Head Development Coach - Field in the SLTP program.  Holding technical expertise, Assistant Development Coaches will positively impact the development of Development Umpires and contribute to the continuous improvement of the program and its associated outcomes.  Assistant Development Coaches are important to the program achieving its purpose to service the game by developing 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.

The Assistant Development Coach – Field will support the delivery of high quality field umpiring programs at a State League and Talent Pathways development level that best prepares umpires for the VFL senior squad and/or alternative umpiring pathways

• Development umpires officiate in Talent Pathway competitions – Coates Boys & Girls and VFLW

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Support the facilitation of a high-performance experiential learning program that supports the transition of talented development umpires to senior standards and ultimately to the State League level
• Attend all prescribed training and coaching sessions. Victoria Park 1 night per week and other remote group and Performance Development Plan (PDP) coaching sessions (4 hours per week in total)
• Main role is to assist planning and facilitating development group coaching & skill drills.
• Attend, assess and coach development umpires on match days as rostered.  This will be in addition to the part-time coaching and paid at casual match day rates
• Provide written, verbal & visual feedback to the umpires by 5pm on the Tuesday following the matchday observation.
• Proactively collaborate with Talent Pathway Boundary and Goal umpire coaches that supports a safe, inclusive, and positive training environment for all disciplines

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

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
• Able to work evenings and weekends

Desired:

• Prior experience coaching umpires in the AFL or Talent Pathway
• Exposure to Sportscode, SportsGauge, Hudl or other assessment, decision making or clip creations systems/programs

OUR CULTURE

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

Applications Close: 21 November 2025