Football
30 April, 2025
AFL ump visit a 'massive coup'
A "massive coup": that's how AFL umpire recruitment and retention officer Cameron Pickering is describing this week's visit to Horsham by AFL All Australian and grand final umpire Rob Findlay.
Findlay will be in Horsham this evening for an hour's training with Wimmera Mallee umpires.
The practical run will be preceded by a short informal question-and-answer session in front of the City Oval clubrooms at 6pm.
"No umpire of this calibre has ever visited the Wimmera before," Pickering said.
"The public are invited to come along to the Q&A and join in the training session if they like."
Pickering said Findlay would lead a "multidisciplinary warm-up before facilitating an intensive session with field umpires".
Later on Wednesday he will host a dinner at White Hart Hotel during which he'll share his experiences in umpiring, including the challenges and a rundown of his journey to the top of his field.
Pickering said the visit would kick off Community Umpiring Round, enabling the AFL and community football leagues and umpire groups promote the importance of umpires in the game and continue to push recruiting for more umpires at all levels.
