Umpire Pay Rates
To see the current USAFL Umpire Pay Rates, see below or use this link:
USAFL Umpire Pay Rates
January 2024
Umpires in the USAFL work many different types of games and there are many different pay rates for different disciplines and different levels of competition. This document explains umpire pay rates for different match categories: one for USAFL-run events and several proposed for all other USAFL-sanctioned events. For clarity, a USAFL-sanctioned event does not mean the USAFL runs that event, only that the USAFL recognizes that event underneath the USAFL umbrella.
USAFL-Run Events
USAFL Events include: the USAFL National Championships, the USAFL Regional Tournaments (whether labeled sub-regional, super-regional, or just regional), and the 49th Parallel Cup. All games are forty (40) minutes (usually played as two twenty (20) minute halves). Except for the 49th Parallel Cup, the following table shows the pay rates:
| Discipline | Candidate | Introductory Certification | Development Accreditation | Advanced Accreditation |
| Field Umpire | $50 | $50 | $65 | $80 |
| Goal Umpire | $35 | $35 | $45 | $55 |
| Boundary Umpire | $35 | $35 | $45 | $55 |
| Coach | $45 | $45 | $45 | |
| Field Marshall | $45 | $45 | $45 | $45 |
Note: Introductory Certification was Level 0, Development and Advanced Accreditation were Level 1 and 2.
The Grand Finals at the USAFL National Championships are compensated differently because these assignments are based on merit. The pay rates are as follows:
| Discipline | Division 1
Men’s |
Division 1
Women’s |
Division 2
Men’s |
All Other Divisions |
| Field Umpire | $150 | $150 | $120 | $100 |
| Goal Umpire | $100 | $100 | $80 | $60 |
| Boundary Umpire | $60 | $60 | $50 | $40 |
49th Parallel Cup
The 49th Parallel Cup is the pinnacle of amateur footy, with the national teams from Canada and the United States squaring off. It is the best of the best. Games are 80-minutes (four twenty (20) minute quarters). The umpire appointments are made by the USAFL UA and AFL Canada and are awarded to the best of the best in these disciplines (which pretty much means those who have achieved Advanced Accreditation). Pay rates as follows:
| Discipline | Pay Rate |
| Field Umpire | $150 |
| Goal Umpire | $100 |
| Boundary Umpire | $100 |
USAFL-Sanctioned Games
The USAFL sanctions games that are organized and played by its member clubs. These games include individual matches (played between two clubs), metro matches (played between two teams within the same club), and tournament games (played by three or more clubs convening on their own. Currently, the USAFL does not mandate using these pay rates nor does the USAFL UA. However, clubs are urged to follow these standards. In addition, clubs may offer other incentives to encourage umpires to work their games. The following tables show the recommended pay rates:
Individual Matches
These are matches played for eighty (80) minutes between two clubs, usually at least 14 players per side, and up to 18 players per side.
| Discipline | Candidate | Introductory Certification | Development Accreditation | Advanced Accreditation |
| Field Umpire* | $60 | $60 | $80 | $100 |
| Goal Umpire | $45 | $45 | $60 | $75 |
| Boundary Umpire | $15 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
Note: Introductory Certification was Level 0, Development and Advanced Accreditation were Level 1 and 2.
* If there is only one field umpire for the match, it is recommended to pay 150% of the above fee.
Metro Matches
These are matches played for forty (40) minutes between two teams within a club, usually at most 12 players per side, and at least 9 players per side. These matches are typically to get more playing time for players and to accommodate those players who don’t want to travel but still want to play footy.
| Discipline | Candidate | Introductory Certification | Development Accreditation | Advanced Accreditation |
| Field Umpire* | $45 | $45 | $60 | $75 |
| Goal Umpire | $30 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| Boundary Umpire | $10 | $10 | $15 | $20 |
Note: Introductory Certification was Level 0, Development and Advanced Accreditation were Level 1 and 2.
* If there is only one field umpire for the match, it is recommended to pay 150% of the above fee.
Tournament Matches
These are matches played for forty (40) minutes, with the tournament having three or more clubs present and the purpose being to get multiple games of footy on the same day. These should be at least 14 players per side, and up to 18 players per side.
| Discipline | Candidate | Introductory Certification | Development Accreditation | Advanced Accreditation |
| Field Umpire* | $45 | $45 | $60 | $75 |
| Goal Umpire | $30 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| Boundary Umpire | $10 | $10 | $15 | $20 |
Note: Introductory Certification was Level 0, Development and Advanced Accreditation were Level 1 and 2.
* If there is only one field umpire for the match, it is recommended to pay 150% of the above fee.