The TSL gives Tasmanian Umpires a direct link through to the AFL for the first time in history.
Previously any young talented umpire was required to move to Victoria and umpire in its premier competition at the time (either VFA or VFL) to be considered for an AFL Contract. In 2011 Nick Foot became the first Tasmanian umpire to make the AFL Umpire List directly through the State League competition. Nick was allowed to continue to live in Hobart and when not appointed to an AFL match he officiated in the TSL which was a tremendous incentive and learning experience for our young umpires. Shaun Gleeson, Ben Lehner, Joel Harris and Matt Clarke are other Field Umpires who have subsequently made the AFL Supplementary List after officiating in TSL Grand Finals.
In 2014, Mark Ensbey (Goal Umpire) was awarded an AFL Provisional Contract and was appointed to AFL matches during the season as well as well as acting as the Emergency Goal Umpire on other occasions. In 2015, Mark was given a full AFL Contract and now regularly umpires at AFL level having officiated in 23 AFL games up to the end of 2015.
All the above mentioned umpires followed the below Tasmanian Talented Umpire Pathway to make it through to the AFL.
To find out more about umpiring please contact:
TASMANIAN STATE LEAGUE
Sam Bridges | Umpiring & Coaching Manager, AFL Tasmania
Sam.Bridges.com.au | 0408 765 361
TASMANIAN TALENTED UMPIRE PATHWAY click here
