AFL UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL - AFL Community

Testimonials from mentorsFollowing are the testimonials of three mentors who have been central to the development ofmentoring programs in Victoria and New South Wales.Andrew Whatley – Bendigo ACES programThe mentoring program I have been involved in with the Bendigo Umpires’ Associationhas had benefits not only to those ‘aspiring’ umpires but also to my satisfaction levels as anumpire. To work with quality young people and, in some cases, not so young people whothat have a goal in mind, and to see them develop skills, knowledge and confidence givesme enormous satisfaction. I have gained much from being a mentor and I would stronglyrecommend anyone with a passion and commitment to the future of umpiring to becomeinvolved in a mentor role.Michael Hockley – Bendigo ACES programI have gained a great deal out of mentoring young and older people in umpiring. Havingumpired approximately 400 games and being in my mid-50s, I was beginning to think thatthere was not much more for me to do in umpiring until we developed the ACES programwhich has given me a new lease of life in the sport. It is a great opportunity to pass onumpiring knowledge to other people and still be involved in the game, and I feel I couldlose interest if I was not actively involved on the ground. I believe this program adds agreat deal to the development of umpiring because we are working with a very keen andimpressionable group of people and one of the reasons that we lose many young people isthat they cop a good deal of abuse which they can’t handle on their own. However, witha mentor by their side they have someone to help them through it and encourage them tokeep going and not take any notice. These people are like sponges – they soak up all theknowledge and endeavour to put in practice what they are learning. It is encouraging towatch their development and will be even better to see them reach their potential. To be agood mentor of umpires, you have to sacrifice your own aspirations so that a young personcan achieve theirs.UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL 47