You don't have to be retired to become an umpire.
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That's the message from AFL North East Border Umpires as it begins a recruitment drive for more match officials for the 2021 season.
AFL NEB aims to expand to 200 active umpires this year, including 100 field umpires, to support the region's football competitions.
Between 50 and 80 field umpires are supplied each weekend by AFL NEB, along with boundary and goal umpires.
Operations manager Michael Bocquet said this gives flexibility to anyone to play one day and umpire the next.
ALSO IN SPORT:
"On a Saturday, you could run in the field or boundary in the Ovens and Murray or the Tallangatta and District leagues, and then play for your club in the Albury-Wodonga juniors or NEB Female Football League, and vice-versa," he said.
"Umpiring can help players develop a better understanding of the rules of the game and learn how to read the play and help improve their fitness, both of which can help improve them as a player.
"Plus, they earn anywhere between $60 and $160 a game, depending on what age group they umpire"
Sean Miller began umpiring in 2015 whilst playing football for Kangaroos in the Wangaratta and District junior league and believes umpiring has taught him aspects of the game he wouldn't have got from just playing.
"Football training taught me the skills of the game, but training as an umpire taught me how the rules are interpreted and what the umpire is looking for at the contest," he said.
"My favourite part about umpiring has been the social side as it has given me the opportunity to meet new people.
"In football, I have my teammates that are my age, but umpiring I work with a wider age group."
A come and try session will be held in Albury at Noreuil Park Oval on Tuesday, February 16 at 6pm.
Another was due to be held at the Wangaratta athletics complex on Wednesday, February 17, but has been cancelled due to the announcement of a five-day COVID-19 lockdown for Victoria.
For further information, contact Michael Bocquet on 0417 200 809.