Canberra mum out to show umpiring matters

By Chris Young

It was no longer enough to be on the sidelines cheering; there was a desire to become more involved.

This motivated her to become a club umpire for the Calwell Swans, with the passionate Swans supporter umpiring her first match back in July.

After meeting the coaches and captains from the Calwell Swans and Tuggeranong Bulldogs, her first game as a field umpire was underway.

The rest is history according to Beth.

“I was pretty nervous going into it, but once the ball was bounced I found the pace of the game pretty manageable, and the support I had from other umpires was incredible.”

“Once I paid my first free kick I felt much more comfortable, it really has been an enjoyable experience.”

After being a self-confessed ‘armchair critic’ for much of her life, running out with whistle in hand was an eye-opening experience.

“It really is difficult to make sure you don’t get caught in the play and to work out the ideal position to be in to make the correct call,” she said.

“I feel like I’m learning quickly though, making sure I’m about twenty metres away, and the teams in the games I’ve umpired have been fantastic.”

Opportunities for women in football were few and far between for Beth when she was growing up, but she said the work of AFL goal umpire Chelsea Roffey has had a significant impact on the way women could approach becoming an umpire.

“My son has asked me if I’m going to be an AFL umpire like Chelsea,” she said.

“I think it’s fantastic that my son knows who she is, her achievements are good proof of the steps forward the game has taken.”

“Not only are there more opportunities for women to get involved, but the support for everybody who goes down the path of umpiring has been excellent.”

If you have an interest in umpiring or want to learn more, contact you local football club or visit the AFL Canberra website and click on the ‘Umpiring’ link.