The DDFUA is undergoing a growth spurt with unprecedented numbers of first-year umpires joining the Development Squad program.

New umpires to the Association take part in an excellent, targeted development program that gives them focussed training and instruction on the fundamentals of umpiring. They are also given exposure to most of the training and theoretical material that the senior umpiring group utilise.

The umpire mentor program for first-year umpires also sees the new umpires teamed up with a mentor who supports his or her's progress as an umpire. New umpires wear green- so don't see red.

The Development Squad program was instituted in 2009 in response to record numbers of first-year umpires joining. 26 umpires, most with a background in junior football, joined the Association over the course of the season.

In 2010, ten of these umpires are continuing in this program with some being fast-tracked into the senior umpiring group. Four new umpires have also joined the program to increase their ranks to 16.

In 2010, the South Perth JFC Umpire Development Squad will also attach itself to our Association which brings a further 10 umpires into the fold.

As more and more umpires join the Association the DDFUA continues to strongly focus on the retention of umpires. 

A number of different programs have been instituted over the past two seasons to ensure that new umpires are exposed to umpiring in a non-threatening environment.

This includes attempts to improve the match-day environment, the use of Umpire Marshalls at junior games and the enhancement of the Development Squad program under the direction of Steve Hills.

The Association remains committed to ensuring that the record number of umpires involved in the Development Squad continues to grow and that these umpires soon swell the ranks of the senior umpiring group.

If you are interested in joining the Development Squad please click here.