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+
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.
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!
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
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 as well as a Women & Girls academy for those for wish to join!
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.
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.
You do NOT need to train both nights as the same information will be taught at each session.
During pre-season training it is often very warm, so wear suitable clothing and bring a FULL drink bottle. As the evenings get colder, wear ‘layered’ clothing. This will keep you warm when you are inactive and allows you to remove layers when doing skill drills.
Be sure to name all garments so your property does not go missing.
WHISTLE! 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)
Training is held weekly and we encourage and expect umpires to attend one session per week.
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
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
The SMJFL Umpiring Department have a team of mentors and experienced umpires who have a varying level of experience in the SMJFL, the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL), the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and the Victorian Football League (VFL).
They will be present on Sunday’s covering as many grounds and games as possible.
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
Umpire payments are made directly into an umpire’s bank account every 2 rounds and 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.
No. There is no tax deducted from your pay.
As umpiring is classed as a “sport/hobby” by the ATO there is no need to declare income from umpiring on a tax return.
