At the end of the 2008 season a review of the Level 3 Field Umpire program was undertaken by Glenlyon Consulting (David Levens) and a National Reference Group which included Rowan Sawers, Peter Howe (AFL Umpire Coaches) and Jim Cail (National Umpiring Development Manager).

The review looked at the delivery of the program, the teaching and learning methods used and the assessment practices.

Key changes to the updated Level 3 Field Umpire Program

• a continuing focus on the Umpire as a ‘manager’ in the conduct of Australian Football matches.
• expecting the Umpire to take greater responsibility for his/her learning and development.
• program content being available online as fact sheets
• placing a greater emphasis on a proven ability of the Umpire to ‘do’ versus simply to ‘know’ – competency based.
• the removal of the Umpires Work Book as part of the assessment, replaced by the Umpire’s Diary/Journal.
• majority of the assessment undertaken by observation of the Umpire demonstrating his skills in State League senior football match environments.
• a national focus with several teleconferences for participating umpires, not to replace the State League Coach, but rather, to enhance the Level 3 experience for all participating umpires nationally.
• an individually based program whereby Umpires should be able to advise the Umpire’s Coach as to when they believe they are ready to undertake assessment.

The revised program places a large amount of emphasis on the umpire taking responsibility for their own learning and development.  As always the program will be delivered by the State Umpiring Coach, but will hopefully be enhanced by components such as the online ‘fact sheets’ and the national teleconferences.  

Fact sheets relating to each module of the program are available below to complement educational sessions conducted in delivering the Level 3 program. 

National teleconferences aim to cover key components of the program and provide the umpire with ‘best practice’ learning outcomes and exposure to AFL umpiring personnel.

Umpires can only be observed meeting the competences of the AFL National Level 3 Umpire Accreditation Program at State League Senior level.    

Related documents

Module summary
Aims of the Program
Assessment Criteria and sign off sheet

Fact Sheets

Module 1 - Qualities of an Umpire

1. Qualities of an Umpire

Module 2 - Manage Self

2.1 Leadership
2.2 Mental Skills
2.3 Attitude
2.4 Interpersonal Skills
2.5 Presentation
2.6 Philosophy
2.7 Preparation
2.9 Personal Health and Safety
2.10 Diary / Journal

Module 3 - Manage Environment

3.1 Umpiring Environment
3.2 Legal Responsibilities
3.3 Club Visits

Module 4 - Manage Match

4.1 Match Approach
4.2 Administration
4.3 Decision Making
4.4 Spirit of the Laws
4.5 Control (general play)
4.6 Control (set play)
4.7 Positioning
4.8 Skills

Module 5 - Manage Others

5.1 Teamwork
5.2 Tribunal
5.3 Mentoring