Joint statement from the VAFA and the VAFA Umpires Association

The VAFA and the VAFA Umpires Association (UA) are pleased to confirm the conclusion of successful discussions regarding umpire benefits for 2025. In addition to the benefits already announced, VAFA umpires will also receive an increase in practice match payments and reimbursements for club visits during pre-season. Importantly, these new initiatives will not increase costs to clubs with the VAFA providing full funding for these initiatives through the existing Umpire budget. 

VAFA CEO Jason Reddick stated “The VAFA truly value all our umpires and we proudly continue to lead the way in delivering industry best practice benefits and environment for them. It is a great outcome to finalise a suite of further benefits for our VAFA umpires, whilst not increasing the costs to our Clubs”. 

The VAFA would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new UA President, Michael Evans. His leadership and understanding of the VAFA environment were invaluable as we continue to build upon the strong foundation of our umpiring program. The VAFA looks forward to a productive and collaborative relationship with Michael and the entire UA team, working together to further enhance the umpire experience.  

Jason added “Michael is a true amateur person who has the competition’s best interest at heart. As a current Premier level umpire with over 140 games experience over 9 years in the VAFA, Michael is well respected in our competition. We are thankful for Michael’s strong leadership and willingness to work collaboratively with VAFA HQ. With his legal profession background, Michael has done a great job managing the umpire tribunal advocate program for some time, and is well placed to engage with the VAFA to ensure a thriving UA”. 

New UA President Michael Evans stated “I’d like to thank VAFA CEO Jason Reddick and VAFA Umpiring Operations Manager Stephen Privitera for coming to the table and working with me and the UA to achieve this outcome.  I look forward to continuing to work together with Jason and Stephen, and all of HQ, to maintain the VAFA as the best community competition at which to umpire in the country.   Like players, umpires have been busy with pre-season training and are looking forward to running out on the park for Round 1 this weekend.” 

With the start of Round 1 this weekend, the umpiring program is in a great place, and we are fully prepared for another exciting season of VAFA football. This year, we are proud to celebrate a 25% year on year increase in registrations, with over 500 new and returning umpires signing up, reflecting the strength and growth of our Umpire Program. 

We wish all umpires well for their upcoming Round 1 matches on Saturday.