Wagga Umpires make the grade

Field umpire Wemyss and boundary umpire Ross will take charge in the Round 1 clash between Belconnen and Eastlake at Kippax Oval.

As members of the Riverina Umpires Association (RUA), their appointment marks a significant step in their career development as they aim to one day reach the pinnacle of umpiring in the AFL.

NEAFL Umpires Coach, Steve Keating, said he was impressed by the boys’ maturity and their performance in last year’s Riverina Football League Grand Final.

“We saw the vision (of the Grand Final) and they were both very accomplished,” said Keating.

“I’ve been down there and met the guys, they’re terrific, they’re both impressive kids, so based on the vision and having met them we had no hesitation in adding them to our state league lists.”

“They’re both very mature for their age.”

Keating also said it was vital to provide young umpires like Wemyss and Ross opportunities to fulfil their potential.

“With any talent we’ve got coming through, we want to provide that talent some opportunities at state level.

“It’s very important to give them that opportunity to progress and become AFL umpires.”

Wemyss, 17, and Ross, 16, have both risen through the ranks of various AFL NSW/ACT pathway programs, demonstrating that they have the right ingredients to umpire at higher levels.

As the AFL’s second tier competition, the NEAFL provides an opportunity not only for players, but also for umpires, to develop their skills and prepare them for the rigours that come with carrying the whistle in the AFL.

Ross has a bright future ahead of him if his pedigree is any guide, with his father and brothers umpiring in the RUA, while Wemyss has made a rapid rise through the umpiring ranks as a product of the AFL’s school based academy programme.

Southern NSW Umpiring Development Coordinator, Luke Olsen, said the boys’ success is a result of the programs put in place to encourage young umpiring talent.

“Sam came out of our original school program which we started four or five years ago, so it’s great to see someone like him progress through the ranks to where he is today.

“The work that the RUA are doing really complements well the work that we’re doing, so we’re working well as a group and collectively to make sure that these kids continue to improve.”

Olsen also said that their appointment would encourage fellow youngsters to pursue their careers in umpiring.

“That’s why we develop the NEAFL development squads, to make sure kids, particularly kids who might be based in regional areas, have got a direct pathway towards becoming involved in a higher level of football.”

“For them to know that they’ve got that opportunity, it will give the kids who are already umpiring a bit of a lift and a chance to push for their selection into higher levels.”

In another boost for officials in the region, the NEAFL has offered development spots to three other promising RUA umpires.

Pat Harris and Hayden Banks were selected in the field umpires development squad, while Darren Morey was picked in the goal umpires development programme.

The Riverina Umpires Association is gearing up for the 2013 local football season, and is keen to attract new members.