Women and Girls Education Umpiring Facilitator Appointed

AFL Barwon is excited to announce Julie Ford as the newly appointed Women and Girls Education Umpiring Facilitator. We are proud to share this announcement with AFL Victoria, in-line with the state and region's 2030 Women & Girls Action Plan.

Leigh Buwalda (Victorian Umpire Recruitment & Retention Lead) describes that the Women and Girls Education pilot is “designed to assist community umpiring groups in developing a better environment for all umpires, with a specific focus on our female and new starter umpires”.

With over 10 years of experience in the umpiring industry, Julie is excited to take part in her first pilot program aimed at female umpires. Hoping to create an all-inclusive environment for all genders, all abilities, and all cultures to be welcomed into, Julie is looking forward to developing the role with support from AFL Victoria and AFL Barwon.

Working alongside an existing team of female umpires, Julie will be responsible for delivering key objectives for female football umpiring and will play a vital role in supporting and empowering women and girls within the umpiring community. Serving as the main point of contact for new and existing female umpires, Julie will address issues related to inclusion, the umpiring environment, and coaching/selection practices. Additionally, she will provide mentorship in discipline-specific skills, support the induction of new umpires, facilitate networking opportunities with local schools and football clubs, and have a voice at the strategic level to ensure inclusive policies are maintained. Overall, Julie’s role is crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for females in umpiring.

AFL Barwon’s Director of Umpiring, Jock Hillgrove, explains that “umpiring is the absolute back bone to football and enhancing the opportunities for women and girls to get involved, whilst creating new pathways for inclusion, is paramount in strengthening our umpiring group. Noting the competencies Julie brings to this position and the impact this position can have on the region, we’re humbled and excited by the outcomes it will bring”.

AFL Barwon congratulates Julie on this position and looks forward to the skills, qualifications and experience she’ll bring to this opportunity.