Suns to enter BFNL Junior Netball teams in 2025

AFL Barwon are excited to announce that the Surf Coast Football Netball Club will be participating in the Bellarine FNL Netball 13&Under Division 1, 15&Under Division 1, 17&Under Division 1, and 19&Under competitions in 2025.

Following proactive and collaborative conversations by Newcomb Football Netball Club, they had indicated to AFL Barwon that they would not be able to field teams in these competitions in the 2025 winter season. This has therefore provided Surf Coast FNC with the opportunity to allow their players to be part of these junior netball competitions a season earlier then their full club introduction in 2026.

Please note that all games in this competition involving Surf Coast FNC will be aligned to the Newcomb FNC BFNL home and away fixture in 2025.

This is great outcome for all players in these competitions as it allows teams to play 2 additional matches where a bye would have been scheduled. This also maximises the home game fixtures for clubs excluding gaps in the day’s fixtures.

The 2025 Dow Bellarine FNL season fixtures on PlayHQ will reflect this upon their completion.

AFL Barwon extends its gratitude to Newcomb FNC and Surf Coast FNC, for being proactive in their respective involvements and contributions in this outcome.

Latest News

Umpire Netball

UMPIRE NETBALL

Umpire netball at AFL Barwon.

UMPIRE NETBALL

Umpire netball in 2026.

[arrow-down]

About Umpiring
Become An Umpire
Umpire Uniforms
Panel Umpire EOI

About Umpiring
become an umpire

ABOUT UMPIRING

Umpiring is a crucial part of the region’s netball competitions, ensuring fair play, upholding the rules, and encouraging a high standard of the game across all levels.

AFL Barwon provide opportunities for individuals of all experience levels, from beginners learning the basics to accredited umpires officiating in senior competitions.

START UMPIRING

AFL Barwon is currently not accepting new umpires for the upcoming Summer season. This is to ensure our current umpires have enough opportunities to umpire regularly, develop their skills and get the most out of the mentoring available.

Once team entries have closed, the waitlist will be reviewed. Should places become available, priority will be given to those who have completed the two online prerequisites outlined below and provided their certificates, followed by the order in which individuals joined the waitlist.

Those currently on the waitlist can expect to be contacted directly when opportunities become available, including details of the available training session dates.

Pre-requisites

Please complete the below courses.
Once completed email certificates to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Foundation Umpire Education Course

View Course
Rules of Netball Exam

View Exam
In Person Netball Umpiring Training Session

Attend a free face-to-face training session.

These training sessions are to provide individuals with the opportunity to take part in an education component discussing the basic netball rules, before getting out on court to have a go at umpiring in a non-competitive environment with court side support from our mentors in the program. 

Participating in these sessions is one of the pre-requisites for all umpires prior to starting their umpiring journey within AFL Barwon competitions.

Join the waitlist here

Midweek Summer Umpiring (Tuesday's & Friday's)

Please complete this form on the link below to sign up for umpiring our Summer season

For the upcoming season, AFL Barwon will only be accepting a handful of new umpires, pending team entries and overall umpire sign-ups. This is to ensure our current umpires have enough opportunities to umpire regularly, develop their skills and get the most out of the mentoring available.
Returning umpires or umpire with 6+ months experience on court can complete the sign-up via the website below.

Tuesday - 9&U, 11&U and 17&U, Round 1 - Tuesday 6 October
Friday - 13&U & 15&U, Round 1 - Friday 9 October

Umpires must have completed the Foundation Umpires Education Course, Rules of Theory Netball Exam and participated in an AFL Barwon Beginner Training Session.

You will receive an email with further instructions to complete prior to competition starting.

2026/27 Summer Midweek Umpiring Sign-up – Fill out form

AFL Barwon Mentoring Opportunities (Tuesday's & Friday's)

We are looking for umpire mentors to assist with the development of umpires through our competitions. If you have experience in umpiring and are keen to share your knowledge to others then it would be great to hear from you.

If this sounds like you, please complete the below expression of interest.

2026/27 AFL Barwon Mentoring Sign-up Summer Season (Tuesday, Friday) – Fill out form