Question 1

How old do I need to be in order to umpire?

Accepted Answer

Umpires must be 12 years old to register as a Boundary Umpire, or who will be in Year 7 at Secondary School.

Umpire must be 13 years old to registrer as a Field Umpire, or who will be in Year 8 at Secondary School.

SMJFL welcomes umpires of all ages, and encourages more mature aged recruits to register as well! The SMJFL Umpire academy has umpires from 12 to 60+

Question 2

I’m a parent of a prospective umpire – what should I know?

Accepted Answer

It is assumed that umpires will have their own email address which they must be responsible for checking. Although most of the umpiring communication is through TeamApp, emails and phone numbers will still be used to communicate if required (pending parent approval for under 18).

We also encourage parents to join the TeamApp so they are aware of updates in the umpiring space.

For most young umpires this will be their first part-time job, and it is a great opportunity to learn to communicate on an adult level about work matters.

Please encourage young umpires to take ownership of their job, and ensure they understand that all communications must conform to what would be deemed suitable in an office or one of their teachers at school. It is important to include name and contact details when communicating with all staff and umpire coaches.

Field umpires are responsible for filling out an online report after each match via OfficialsHQ. This should be done on match day, as younger umpires are at school and not contactable on Monday which is when pays are finalised.

Question 3

How are umpires communicated to?

Accepted Answer

Due to the volume of Umpires at the SMJFL, we communicate with all Umpires via TeamApp. TeamApp is easy to join and each time we post an update, you will be notified!

Join TeamApp in these 3 easy steps:
1. Download Stack TeamApp 
2. Search 'SMJFL Umpiring Academy '
3. Request to join and await for the approval!

We encourage Parents to also join TeamApp, to ensure they are across communications.

Question 4

Do I need a minimum fitness level?

Accepted Answer

All umpires are expected to be of a sound fitness level to keep up with the pace of play. Our SMJFL Staff are available to talk to at training if you have any questions or concerns

Question 5

Can anyone umpire?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Umpiring is open to all people from 12 years or older!

We have umpires from all ages,  and we provide an inclusive training environment, Mature-Aged Training Sessions, as well as a Women & Girls academy for those for wish to join!

Question 6

How much do I need to know about Australian Rules football and its laws?

Accepted Answer

You will be fully trained on the laws of Australian Rules football, along with the By-Laws specific to the competition within the SMJFL. These will be provided through trainings, online resources (e.g. Hudle) and the SMJFL website resources.

Question 7

Training venues and times?

Accepted Answer

Monday’s are at Elsternwick Park Oval 1 – Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick 6:00-7:30pm.

Wednesday’s are at Moorleigh Reserve – 90-92 Bignell Road (Bentleigh East 3165) 4:45-6pm.

Training is held weekly and we encourage and expect umpires to attend one session per week. 
You do NOT need to train both nights as the same information will be taught at each session.

Preference for appointments and finals appointments will be given to those umpires who attend and actively contribute to training.

*If you attend a senior umpire training, this counts as a session per week with us

Always bring your whistle to training! If you are not sure what whistle to buy, the two models are:
Acme Thunderer 577 Fingergrip whistle
Acme Thunderer 477/58 Fingergrip whistle
*These can be purchased on the SMJFL Umpire Shop

Generally, just bring a whistle, drink bottle and appropriate footwear (e.g. runners / football boots)

Question 8

Who will be COACHING me?

Accepted Answer

The Umpire Coaches all have significant umpiring experience and accreditations.

They have been provided with the coaching skills to enable them to develop umpires and provide the best experience at every training.

Go to the Coaching Staff Profile section of Team App to learn a little bit more about your coaches for 2026

Question 9

How much does it cost to umpire?

Accepted Answer

Umpiring is free! Trainings are held twice weekly and require no cost, just come down and learn some skills!

The ONLY cost associated with beginning umpiring is the uniform, however an umpire will earn this cost back within 2-3 games!

Question 10

How do I register as an Umpire in the SMJFL?

Accepted Answer

Registrations are now open for 2026!

To register, please view the SMJFL Umpire Processes Guide attached HERE

This will provide a step by step on how to get started and all there is to know!

Question 11

Do I need a Working with Children's Check?

Accepted Answer

If you are 18 years of age or older, you are required to obtain a valid Volunteer Working with Children Check to Umpire in the SMJFL. 
 
To upload this, you must go onto your OfficialsHQ profile and upload your number and expiry into the "WWCC" section.

Question 12

What are my Umpiring Options?

Accepted Answer

Field
A challenging and rewarding activity, field umpires take control of up to 36 players and ‘call the shots’ on the big stage. The field umpiring career path involves multiple stages, with the pinnacle being umpiring at AFL level. The SMJFL appoints field umpires each week in all games from Under 11 through to Under 18 across mixed, boys and girls competitions.

Boundary
For those who enjoy running or want to learn about the game from a bit more distance, boundary umpiring is ideal. Boundary umpires are responsible for making decisions to whether the ball is in play (or out!), as well performing the boundary throw-in. In the SMJFL, boundary umpires officiate in Under 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 competition games, as well as all Finals.

Goal
In the SMJFL, goal umpires are appointed only during the Final Series. Goal umpiring does not form part of the SMJFL Umpire Training Program. If you have your heart set on becoming a goal umpire please contact one of the senior umpiring leagues such as the SFNL or VAFA.

Question 13

Payment – How much do I EARN as an umpire?

Accepted Answer

Umpire pay rates can be found in the Umpire Processes and Guide, and they will differ based on the age group you are umpiring.

For field umpires, games begin at $56 for an under 11's, and boundary will begin at $36 for an under 14's

Question 14

When and how am I paid?

Accepted Answer

Umpire payments are made directly into an umpire’s bank account every 2 rounds.
Pays are only made once the umpire fulfils all their report duties post-match (completing competition match report).

Please ensure your bank details on OfficialsHQ are correct and up-to-date.

Question 15

Do I need a Tax File Number (TFN)?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no tax deducted from your pay. Umpiring is Tax free earnings.

As umpiring is classed as a “sport/hobby” by the ATO there is no need to declare income from umpiring on a tax return.