ARUK appoints Umpire Coordinator
- 2009-08-20 10:22:00
Aussie Rules UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Jones as its new Umpire Coordinator.
One of his major tasks will be to train new umpires, a very important role given the rapid growth of Aussie Rules in the UK. His new role will include match day observation and constructive feedback to field umpires - covering positioning, umpire psychology, match management, fitness and the finer more technical aspects of being a senior umpire.
Andrew brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Raised in Victoria, he tried out with both North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans before a knee injury brought an end to his playing career.
He started umpiring with the Bendigo Umpires Association, before moving to Sydney where he was appointed Umpire Coach of the Sydney City Junior Umpires. Eventually the opportunity arose to join the Sydney Senior AFL Umpire group as an Assistant Umpire Coach. In this time Andrew worked closely with the AFL NSW/ACT State Umpire Manager who was also the Head Coach for the Senior Umpire Panel in Sydney.
Now based in the UK, ARUK welcomes Andrew to his new role and looks forward to seeing many more locals take up the challenge and rewards of umpiring Australian football.