As you learn the game and develop the skills to become a successful umpire the opportunities for advancement are numerous. To assist umpires with the talent and desire to make it to the next level the DDFUA instituted a Talent Identification Squad in 2010. The Talent ID Squad umpires, led by our Talent Coach, are given intensive coaching to help them develop their skills. The ultimate goal is for them to successfully trial for the Dean Margetts Junior Talent Squad and enter the WAFC talent pathway.
The role of the Dean Margetts JTS is to enhance the development of umpires from community football, as well as provide a pathway into WAFL and Senior Community umpiring.
The Talent Squad program begins in October, where the trialling umpires officiate in the WAFL 14's and 15's carnivals. The umpires who are selected for the talent squad begin training the following season as a group in February.
During the season, the talent squad trains on Monday nights, where they complete both practical and theory sessions, receive feedback about their previous weeks performance, as well as fitness testing throughout the year.
The top performing Talent Squad umpires will be invited to progress to the Academy the following year or for some an invite will be offered to trial for the WAFL panel, for others, opportunities will be presented in Senior Community football or to continue on in the talent squad.
The DDFUA has a long history of developing WAFL and AFL umpires. Two current AFL panel members, Dean Margetts and Brett Rosebury, originally began umpiring in the Demons District. Numerous umpires have also advanced to WAFL ranks. These umpires have been able to make a successful career out of umpiring, underpinned by the training and advice they received as junior umpires with the DDFUA.
