USAFL Umpires Association

Author: usaflua

  • International Umpire Interest Call – USAFL Nationals 2025 – May 27, 2025 – 6AM USA Eastern/8PM Australian Eastern Time

    All international umpires, especially umpires in Australia, are invited to join us for an informational discussion about the opportunities to join the USAFL Umpires Association in Tucson, AZ for the USAFL National Tournament.

    Our initial call with international umpires will be held on May 27, 2025 at 6AM USA Eastern (GMT -4)/8PM Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10) on the Zoom.

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89206924291 or Click Here to join the call.

    The USAFL Nationals normally feature 5 Men’s and 2 Women’s divisions each year, on 5 active fields. Teams from across the US and Canada strive for a national championship in each division.

    The USAFL Umpires Association organizes the field, goal, and boundary assignments for all games over the tournament, including the championship rounds, Mateship games, and the Friday Umpire’s clinic.

    We look forward to seeing you on the call so that we can answer all of your questions and tell you more about this wonderful umpiring opportunity.

  • New Board is Seated after the 2024 USAFLUA Annual General Meeting

    During the 2024 USAFL Umpires Association Annual General Meeting (AGM), new board members were elected for a two year term:

    Jeff Persson – President

    Tara Miller – Secretary

    Mark Gall – Member at Large #1

    Daniel Estes – Member at Large #2

    Congratulations to Jeff, Tara, Mark, and Daniel!

     

    2024-2025 USAFLUA Leadership

    President: Jeff Persson – Term ends 2026
    Vice President: Steve Arnott – Term ends 2025
    Treasurer: Sid Caesar – Term ends 2025
    Secretary: Tara Miller – Term ends 2026
    Member at Large #1: Mark Gall – Term ends 2026
    Member at Large #2: Daniel Estes – Term ends 2026
    Member at Large #3: Bevan Main – Term ends 2025
    Member at Large #4: Seth McElvaney – Term ends 2025
    Member at Large – AFL Canada: Richard Ogilvie – Term ends 2025

  • 2024 USAFLUA Accreditations Awarded

    Congratulations are in order!  The following umpires earned accreditation this year at the Eastern/Central Super Regional, the Western Regional, or the USAFL Nationals Tournament.

    Accreditation is a process and these umpires have shown not only the dedication to the profession of AFL umpiring, but the commitment to continue to grow and learn, to ask questions, to implement feedback, and to help their fellow umpires get better as well.  A huge thank you to all the umpire coaches that have supported these umpires and helped them earn these accreditations.
    Boundary – Introductory Certification
    • Aiden Ogilvie
    Goal – Introductory Certification
    • Christian Moore
    • Wayne Purcell
    • Jennifer Vandeveer
    Field – Introductory Certification
    • Robert ‘Lloydy’ Bridges
    • Jay Hunter
    • Paul Iannello
    • David Martin
    • Ian McCormick
    • Rob Montanaro
    • Paul ‘Ren’ Renouf
    • Seth Sternberg
    • Brad Thompson
    • Brian Vrbicek
    • Andrew Wang
    Boundary – Development Accreditation
    • Ellen de Vries
    Field – Development Accreditation
    • Chet Ridenour
    Goal – Advanced Accreditation
    • Andrew Mueller
    Field – Advanced Accreditation
    • Stephen Butler
    • Shaun Rothe
    And last but certainly not least, we proudly announce a first-ever for the USAFL UA…
    Umpire Coach – Development Accreditation
    • Richard Ogilvie
    Please join me in congratulating all our newly accredited umpires for 2024.
    All these accreditations have been recorded in the UA database.  We recognize the year’s accreditations at our Annual Umpire Fete Saturday night after day one of the Nationals and they take effect the weekend of the tournament in which they were awarded.
    We look for further great things from them and everyone in 2025.
    PLAY ON!!

  • USAFLUA Pre-Nationals Umpire Clinic – Monday September 16 – 8PM Eastern

    USAFLUA Pre-Nationals Umpire Clinic – Monday, September 16 – 8PM Eastern

    The final USAFL Umpires Association virtual clinic of the year will be held on Monday, September 16th, 2024 at 8PM Eastern/5PM Pacific.

    We will feature our usual general session during the clinic, with special breakout sessions for Field, Goal, and Boundary umpires, after the general session. There will be plenty of time for questions, in the general session, the breakouts, and during the wrap-up session. This will be an excellent opportunity for umpires at all levels to keep learning and work toward accreditation and re-accreditation

    We hope that you can attend the virtual clinic next Monday. If you can’t attend, we will post the recording of the clinic on our website at www.USAFLUA.org.

    If you didn’t get your invitation directly, please email us at Info@USAFLUA.org for the clinic call-in details.

    All are welcome to join us on Monday!

  • USAFLUA President’s Update – August 26, 2024

    USAFL UA Umpires!

    Greetings from your board and we hope everyone is enjoying the second half of the season.

    Hard to believe that it is only two months until Nationals, but as of right now, we are in full swing getting prepared. We anticipate that the event in Austin, TX will be the same size as last year’s in Sarasota, FL and we will be looking for everyone to step up and be a part of the largest footy carnival in the world! More information about the Nationals can be found at https://usafl.com/nationals/2024.

    Here are some updates for everyone to be aware of:

    1) Our pay rates were increased in 2024 by $5 across the board. Those working the two Regional tournaments should have seen that reflected in their pay. If you are not sure of the rates, go to Umpire Pay Rates – USAFL Umpires Association (usaflua.org)

    2) You should have received an email from Jeff/Toby as Tournament Director with a link to the Nationals Survey.  Please fill that out quickly so we can get busy on all the various aspects of preparation. Thank you to the nearly 50 of you who have already responded! We have 29 confirmed attendees and we anticipate needing 60-65, so even now we are halfway there! Please contact Jeff at jeff.persson@usafl.com for more information.

    3) In addition to the upcoming virtual clinic on Monday, September 16, 8pm ET/5 pm PT (for which we will be sending a separate notice with the agenda) we are building a more rigorous Nationals Clinic agenda to include Boundary umpire training as well. These are excellent opportunities for umpires at all levels to keep learning and work toward accreditation and re-accreditation.

    4) I am pleased to announce that the Board approved on Monday that all umpires working at Nationals this year will receive a USAFLUA gear bag (yes, with our logo on it!) for you to have for all your umpire gear!

    5) Last and not least: We will have our Annual General Meeting on Friday night of Nationals. As you likely know, we elect half our board members each year with each serving a two year term. And as not all of these positions will have an incumbent, we are seeking those who are interested in helping run the UA. This is a great way to get involved. Be aware that current board members may be reaching out to you to gauge your interest, but even if you don’t receive a call, you can still reach out to us!  There is a nomination form, but you don’t have to wait to see if someone nominates you – you can nominate yourself!

    So there you have it: two months to go until we gather again for our annual bash. If you have questions, please reach out. And we look forward to seeing everyone again in Texas.  YeeeHaaww!

    Play On!

    Jonathan Mills

    “Millsy”

    President

    USAFL Umpires Association

    Info@USAFLUA.org

    www.USAFLUA.org

  • 2024 USAFL Nationals Umpire Availability Survey – Come Umpire Footy with Us in Austin!

    It’s that time again… NATIONALS!!

    https://usafl.com/nationals/2024

    Austin, Texas – 11-13OCT24

    Please take a few minutes to complete the Sign Up form.

    If you know you won’t attend, please complete this anyway so I know that you have responded.

    I won’t bug anyone again until the end of August.

    If your plans are unsure or might change, please complete what you know now, and then when things change, complete it again with the updated information.

     

    If you have any questions, please let me know.

    Looking forward to another fantastic Nationals with everyone.

     

    2024 USAFL NATIONALS Umpiring Signups

     

    Cheers

    Jeff Persson

    obo/Toby Persson

    USAFLUA Tournament Director

    usaflua.tournamentdirector@gmail.com

  • 2024 AFL/USAFL RULE CHANGES AND INTERPRETATIONS – SUMMARY CHART

    The latest USAFL Rule Changes and Interpretations can be found below and at:

    2024 AFL-USAFL Rules and Interpretations Summary Chart MAY 24 Update

     

    AFL/USAFL RULE CHANGES AND INTERPRETATIONS – SUMMARY CHART

     

    Year AFL Rule/Interpretation USAFL Explanation and Rationale
    2024 Smothering Yes Where a player elects to leave the ground in an attempt to smother the ball, any reasonably foreseeable high contact with an opponent that is at least Low Impact will be deemed to be Careless at a minimum, unless the player has taken all reasonable steps to avoid that high contact and/or minimize its (e.g., by adopting a body position that minimizes the force of the high contact).
    2024 Run Down Tackles Yes This interpretation reflects concern about run-down tackles where the tackling player significantly contributed to the force with which the tackled player is driven to ground. The AFL has amended the Guidelines to state that there may be types of run-down tackles that are dangerous and which constitute a Reportable Offence (i.e. run down tackles where the tackled player is driven into

    the ground with excessive force).
    2024 Striking Yes The AFL seeks to increase the onus on players to not commit a strike even when seeking to fend and push their opponent. Where a player intends to forcefully push or fend an opposition player off the ball (including to gain separation for

    the purpose of contesting the ball) and the effect is that the player “strikes” their opponent, the strike will usually be graded as Intentional rather than Careless.
    2024 Ruck Contests Yes The AFL has changed the interpretation of Law 18.4 to permit straight arm blocks in a ruck contest, provided the player still contests the ball.
    2023 Set Shot for Goal Yes Umpires will alert players at the 15-second mark of a set shot. Players are allowed 30 seconds to start their set shot approach. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
    2023 Entering Protected Area Yes The AFL requires that a player losing a marking contest or giving away a free kick must stand the mark or immediately leave the protected area. This interpretation should also be adopted.
    2023 Move to Handball Yes The AFL interprets the Standing the Mark rule (see below) so that a 50m penalty will not be paid where a player fakes a handball to make the player on the mark move before play on is called. As the USAFL is adopting the Standing the Mark

    rule, this interpretation should also be adopted.
    2022 Player “Dissent” No The AFL has, as a point of emphasis used a 50m penalty for demonstrative player dissent, including pointing towards scoreboard replays. Umpires in the USAFL can use existing rules and interpretations to penalize player behavior that is abusive, delays the game, or otherwise contravenes existing rules.
    2021 Limit of 75 Total Player Interchanges per Match No This rule does not apply to USAFL games where interchanges are not limited.

     

    2021 Mark set at 15m from center of the top of the goal square at

    Kick-Ins

    		 Yes The USAFL adopted the previous rule change moving the Mark to 10m from the center of the top of the goal square and there is no reason not to adopt this

    change.
    2021 Three Players to be Stationed Inside 50 Meters at Each Stoppage No This rule addresses specific AFL considerations and is currently experimental. As such, there is no reason for the USAFL to adopt it.
     

     

    2021

    		  

     

    Standing the Mark

    		  

     

     

    No

    		 The AFL is interpreting this rule to require the opponent on the mark to remain stationary until the umpire calls “play on.” This interpretation addresses a specific AFL concern with the pace of the game, scoring, and defensive tactics and has been viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced.

    *Revised to “No” May 2024, as per USAFL direction*
     

     

    2020

    		  

     

    Team Officials and Team Runners

    		  

     

    No

    		 This rule specifies when team officials may enter the playing surface. USAFL games are played in summer and at the community level, so Water Runners are allowed on the field provided they do not interfere with the game or carry messages. Team Runners may enter at any time to deliver a message and return to the boundary, provided they do not interfere with the game. They may not be

    in the 50m arc at a Kick-In.
     

    2020

    		  

    Starting Positions

    		  

    No

    		 This rule implements a “traditional” set up at center bounces requiring each team to have six players inside the 50m arcs, including one in the goal square. This

    rule is viewed as impractical to implement in the USAFL where games are often played with fewer than 18 players on each team and/or with one field umpire.
    2020 Kicking for Goal Post-Siren No This interpretation allowed a player awarded a Mark or Free Kick before the siren to use a Snap or Check-side kick for goal. This interpretation is viewed as to difficult to administer in the USAFL.
     

    2020

    		  

    Procedure After a Behind Has Been Scored

    		  

    Yes

    		 The Mark at a Kick-In is set 10m from the center of the top of the goal square, though for USAFL metro games, the distance may still be set at 5m. A player need not kick to himself to play on out of the goal square. A player who plays on from the goal square and kicks out of bounds without the ball being touched is

    not penalized for “out on the full” but may be penalized for “deliberate out of bounds” if appropriate.
    2020 50m Penalty No This interpretation allows the player with the ball to play on during the advancement of the mark. This interpretation is viewed as impractical to implement in the USAFL.

     

    2019 Marks/Free Kicks Yes For all Defenders who take a Mark or are awarded a Free Kick within 9m of the goal line or reasonably close to the behind post, the Mark is set in line with the

    top of the goal square. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this rule.
    2019 Umpire Contact Yes Players are prohibited from setting up behind the Umpire at each Center Bounce. This rule is desirable in the interests of umpire safety.
    2019 Marking Contest Yes The “hands in the back” interpretation is repealed, allowing a Player to place his hands on an opponent’s back to protect his position in a Marking contest, but not to push the opponent in the back. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
     

     

    2019

    		  

     

    Ruck Contests/Prior Opportunity

    		  

     

    Yes

    		 A Ruck Player who takes possession of the ball while contesting a bounce, throw up, or boundary throw in will not be regarded as having had Prior Opportunity. Where there is uncertainty as to who is the designated Ruck, the Ruck for each team will continue to nominate to the field umpire. There is no

    reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
    2018 Kick-In After Goal Umpire Signal No This rule permits an immediate Kick-In after the Goal Umpire signals a behind (one raised index finger). This rule is viewed as impractical in the USAFL where games are often played with non-accredited Goal Umpires. Players must wait for the flags to be waved.
    2018 Advantage Rule No The AFL allows a Player’s choice to be considered in applying the rule. This is viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced. The field umpire will continue to have sole discretion to

    award advantage.
    2018 Deliberate Rushed Behind No The AFL interpretation allows a Free Kick to be awarded when a Player, not under pressure or close to goal deliberately knock or take the ball over the goal line. This is viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced.

     

  • 2024 USAFL Regionals – Umpire Availability Survey

    We at the USAFL UA HQ hope everyone is enjoying their 2024 and having a great start to the footy season. As always, the USAFL is having its Regional Tournaments as the main prelude to the National Championships. And as always, we are tasked with staffing these games.

     

    To make this happen, we need ALL umpires receiving this email to fill out this Google Survey and please do so by May 17th (which is a week from Friday). Please complete the survey even if you are not attending either tournament. WHY? Because it helps to know who isn’t available as well as who is committed and who is on the fence.

     

    Click this link for the survey, it should take less than 3 minutes.

    2024 USAFL REGIONAL UMPIRE SURVEY 

     

    Please, complete it today. If your circumstances change, complete it again and it will automatically notify us of your update. If you don’t complete it, we will follow up with you to urge you to do so.

     

    Eastern/Central – Super Regional

    June 15th, Columbus, OH

     

    Western Regional

    June 29th, Salt Lake City, UT

     

    Both Tournaments are expected to be three (3) fields running all day from 9 am to 6 pm local time. That means 27 games which means 54 assignments to be filled for both field and goals.

     

    And we are happy to have anyone who wants to run boundaries. All UA umpires get paid the same rates as Nationals based on your level of accreditation.

     

    We will follow the same process to prep for Nationals.  If you have any questions, get with us as quickly as you can so we can help you with answers.

     

    Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

     

     

    Regards,

    Toby Persson

    USAFLUA Tournament Director

    usaflua.tournamentdirector@gmail.com

     

    Jeff Persson

    USAFLUA Head Coach

    headcoach@usaflua.org

  • New 2024 Requirement – Completed IRS W9 for all umpire payments from the USAFL

    The United States Australian Football League (USAFL) has implemented some process changes League-wide to the way payments are made throuout the year, including payments being made to umpires. These changes have been implemented to ensure that the League remains compliant with US Federal and IRS regulations.

    In order for any future payments to be made to umpires, it is now required that each individual completes and signs a new IRS form W-9. Once this is completed, the form needs to be sent via email to treasurer@usafl.com.

    There may be some personal circumstances where individuals are unable to complete this form. In this case, please contact the USAFL directly at treasurer@usafl.com so Stuart, the USAFL Treasurer, can work through your specific circumstance.

    Likewise, if you have any questions about the form, or need help completing it, please contact Stuart at treasurer@usafl.com.

    You will not be able to receive payment for Regionals or Nationals until this form is received.

     

    For the latest W-9 form from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), please use this link:

    2024 IRS W-9 Form (Fillable PDF)

     

  • The next USAFLUA Virtual Clinic – May 7, 2024 @ 8PM Eastern

    USAFL Umpire Virtual Clinic
    Accreditation Update; New USAFL Rules; Interactive Field and Goal Umpire Positioning

    We hope everyone has had a chance to review (and re-review) the Umpire Virtual Clinic #1 where we covered Match Management. Now we are offering the next installment of the 2024 Umpire Virtual Clinic series, coming up on May 7th, Tuesday, at 8 pm Eastern Time. Mark your calendars!

    This clinic will cover three topics:

    Accreditation update
    New USAFL Rules
    Interactive Field and Goal Umpire Positioning

    Accreditation Update
    This will be the shortest part of the clinic as most everyone is well aware of the process. For newer umpires and those looking for accreditation advancement, it is good to start this process at the beginning of the season rather than wondering where you are at as Nationals gets closer.

    New USAFL Rules
    Every year the UA Rules Committee meets to review any new rules and/or interpretations from the AFL to decide whether the USAFL should adopt them. There are a few updates this year and we will cover them. These are mostly interpretations of the rules as well as the Stand The Mark process.

    Interactive Field and Goal Umpire Positioning
    The bulk of the time will be spent using an interactive tool to illustrate how umpires (field and goal) are to position themselves for various plays, including shots on goal, boundary throw-ins, center bounces, switches and pushes.

    While we will schedule for one hour, as usual we will go past that time if there are questions that we can address, because this will be recorded for those that might have to leave early, those who can’t attend due to a conflict, and of course for reviewing later as the season progresses.

    Please join us as this will be interactive both in terms of the tool we will use to illustrate positioning and our desire for you to be asking questions so that you are prepared for both one- and two-umpire system mechanics as this will greatly help you with your accreditation advancement.

    We will still be running our third virtual clinic about a month out from Nationals, Monday, September 16th, so go ahead and mark that date on our calendars as well.

    See you on May 7th at 8PM Eastern!

    Topic: USAFLUA Special Events – May 2024 Virtual Umpires Clinic

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89206924291

    Meeting ID: 892 0692 4291