Foundation Umpiring Courses

You know the game, why not help umpire it? You can umpire and play in the same season or just be a “full time” umpire. It’s a great way to earn some tax free money, get a greater knowledge of the rules and improve your fitness and leadership skills.

SANFL Juniors umpires earn between $40-$116 per game & School students can earn 10 Stage One SACE Points

A great first step towards becoming a Field, Boundary or Goal Umpire across different Leagues is attending a FREE Foundation Umpiring Course.

Conducted by the SANFL Umpiring Department, the Foundation Umpiring Course is a two hour in person session plus a recommended prior online learning component, teaching the fundamental skills of becoming an umpire, registration requirements, weekly expectations and the steps involved in the umpiring development pathway. It is designed to be used by all entry-level umpires, irrespective of age*, gender or background in the game.

*  Umpires need to be at least 12 years old to begin

What to expect?

The course will cover topics such as:

• Umpiring Pathways
• Umpire Roles
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Positioning
• Signals
• Registration Requirements
• Weekly expectations

There will also be  practical components that will cover:

• Ball-Ups, signalling, & communicating decisions as a Field Umpire
• Boundary Umpire signals, positioning & throw-ins
• Goal Umpire positioning, signalling & decision making

Upon completion, you will be provided all the information to get started in the league of your choice including how much you can expect to get paid, training venues, uniform requirements, appointment process and key contacts, ready to umpire your first game.

Upcoming Course Dates: (*Please note you only have to attend one course date*)

Wednesday October 8, 2025 – 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Adelaide Oval

Sunday October 12, 2025 – 9:00am to 11:00am – Mosaic Hotel West Lakes

An array of courses and venues will be added over the coming months with a large number of them falling between January – April, 2026

If there are no upcoming courses scheduled in your area, please complete the following EOI and a SANFL umpiring staff member will contact you to assist in beginning your umpiring journey.

https://play.afl/umpire/become-an-umpire