Earlier today Umpire Operations Manager Haydn O’Connor revealed the new-look coaching panels for 2019, with two notable recruits joining our ranks.
In the Field, Tony Hales continues as the Premier Squad coach, and Guy Hexter remains in charge of the Development Squad. The Senior Squad (catering for most umpires of Senior football outside of the Premier group) will be led by new recruit Peter Marshall.
Peter joins the VAFA with a wealth of umpiring and coaching experience. As an umpire he officiated at the highest level, and as an administrator has acted as the Director of Umpiring at both the Southern Football Netball League and Southern Umpires Association (MPNFL). He also serves as a match-day observer for the VFL.
Peter will be well supported by Senior Assistants Mark Gibson and Peter James – both highly credentialed umpires and coaches in their own right.
On the Boundary, Ryan O’Shea continues in his role as Senior Boundary coach, with Asha Hinton continuing in her role as Senior Assistant coach. To further develop our boundary ranks, we are privileged to welcome Andrew Leggo, joining Jack Punshon as development coaches. Andrew is fresh from the VFL, having officiated over 100 VFL Senior matches, and will bring this experience to the development of our up and coming umpires.
In the Goals it is ‘business as usual’, with Bernie Jephson returning as Senior coach, supported by Development coaches Shane Herbert and Charlie May
Umpires can expect to have a much closer interaction with their squad coach in 2019 under the new structure, with more to be revealed as the pre-season gets underway. These coaches are here to help you, and we encourage you to get down to training and use the coaching resources provided to help develop and improve your umpiring performances.
We are extremely lucky to have coaches of this calibre supporting our umpires throughout all disciplines and divisions. We have long claimed that we have the best coaches in the umpiring world, and the addition of Peter and Andrew will ensure this quality of training is available to all umpires within the group.
For more, you can read Haydn’s article here.
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