No experience necessary. We’ll teach you the skills, explain what to expect and support you as you build confidence.
Why choose Latrobe Valley Umpires Association?
LVUA offers a welcoming, local pathway into community football umpiring. Whether you want to improve your fitness, earn money, build friendships or pursue higher-level umpiring, our coaches will support you to develop at your own pace.
- Train locally at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell on Wednesdays at 6.00 pm.
- Choose field, boundary or goal umpiring—or learn more than one discipline.
- Umpire games across the Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland Football Netball League, Female Football Gippsland and Traralgon and District Junior Football League.
- Choose a commitment that suits you, from one game to several games each weekend.
- Receive match payments, travel reimbursement and significant assistance with uniform costs.
- Access coaching and development pathways towards higher-level and AFL umpiring.
- Join an inclusive association with juniors, adults and families umpiring together.
How to get started
- Contact us. Complete the enquiry form or call us on 0413 076 555. Tell us a little about yourself and what interests you about umpiring.
- Attend an introductory training session. Meet our coaches at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell on Wednesday at 6.00 pm. We’ll explain how LVUA works and help you feel comfortable.
- Choose your discipline. Try field, boundary or goal umpiring and discuss which option best suits your interests, age and fitness.
- Register. Our secretary will help you through the process of free online registration.
- Learn the skills. Our coaches will help you understand the laws, positioning, communication and practical skills needed for your chosen discipline.
- Prepare for your first game. We’ll guide you through registration and uniform requirements and arrange a suitable first appointment when you are ready.
- Keep developing. Continue training, receive coaching and progress at the pace and level that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can umpire?
We regularly welcome new umpires of all ages. Our membership ranges from 10 years to 75 years old. One of the great opportunities of our sport is that our umpires run and learn alongside others of various ages, forming strong mentoring bonds.
Field, boundary or goal?
We can train you in any discipline and are always looking for umpires in all disciplines. Many of our umpires are trained to do more than one. Not sure what would suit you? Contact us and we’ll provide some advice.
When and where do we train?
Training is Wednesday nights, 6pm at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell. We offer flexibility to recognise that modern working environments mean that some people can’t commit to every week or every weekend.
When do we umpire?
We umpire a variety of games on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. There are opportunities for umpires to do numerous games in a weekend if they like, or just to do one. The commitment is as large as you want to make it. We provide services to the Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland Football Netball League, Female Football Gippsland and the Traralgon & District Junior Football League.
What does it pay?
Pay rates vary depending on the age group and discipline. Umpires are also paid a reimbursement for travel to grounds. To find out more about pay rates and reimbursements, send us an email.
What about registration and uniform?
We do have a registration fee of $70 for adults, $30 for juniors running in the Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland League and Female Football Gippsland, and $10 for juniors running only in the Traralgon & District Junior Football League. All registration costs are deducted from pays, so there is no cost up front.
Uniforms for field and boundary umpires cost approximately $170, which is deducted from pays, and we reimburse $150 after an umpire has run 10 games (yes, the whole uniform only costs $20 in the end!). Goal umpire uniforms are more expensive, and so we reimburse a further $150 after 20 games for a goal umpire to cover the additional cost.
What about families?
One of the greatest pleasures of umpiring is being able to participate in sport as a family. We have a number of families involved, in some cases covering three generations all doing games together. What a great opportunity!
How do I get to the AFL?
Umpiring at the community level is the first step towards umpiring on the MCG. Our coaches can help you on a pathway into the AFL if that is your interest. A number of AFL umpires have previously been LVUA umpires and we have current umpires with prior AFL experience as well. If you have the passion and drive, we can help you find your way there!
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need to arrive at a particular fitness level. Field, boundary and goal umpiring have different physical demands, and there are opportunities for people of different ages and abilities. Training will help you develop your fitness, and our coaches can help you choose the discipline that best suits you.
Can I play football and umpire?
Yes. Depending on fixtures, many people can combine playing football with umpiring by selecting games and times that do not clash. Let us know your availability and we will discuss the options with you.
Ready to become an umpire?
Contact Latrobe Valley Umpires Association to set up your first 1:1 introductory training session and discuss your future umpiring experience!