SANFL

A review of the umpiring talent pathway in South Australia

SAPA was engaged by the SANFL to undertake an independent review of the Umpiring Talent Pathway in South Australia.

SAPA was engaged by the SANFL to undertake an independent review of the Umpiring Talent Pathway in South Australia.

The purpose of the review was to strengthen the SANFL Umpiring Pathway to ensure South Australian umpires receive the highest quality development, education and support (both on and off the field), to provide and prepare them for success in the SANFL/SANFLW and progress to the AFL and/or AFLW competitions.

Our report outlined several key insights and 20 key recommendations across strategy and communication, umpire coaching and curriculum, high performance support systems, umpire groups and pathway, umpire resourcing and structures, talent identification and succession planning, and the umpiring environment to deliver on the SANFL’s objectives.

"SAPA has been an invaluable extension of our team, providing expert football legal, regulatory and strategic support across a range of critical areas that improves operational efficiency and safeguarding our organisational continuity. Their proactive and responsive approach has helped us navigate complex challenges with confidence. Their strategic review of the Umpiring Talent Pathway in Australia will ensure that umpires in our state receive the development, education and support they need to progress their careers. Having access to their extensive resources ensures that SANFL mitigates the risk of relying on a single person for critical knowledge and services."
Matt Duldig
Executive Genera Manager - Football, SANFL