Four Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) umpires have returned from Maroochydore after impressing in the officiating ranks at the School Sport Australia National Championships held between July 23 and July 30.
Field umpires Isaac Reid and Brodie Morcom, boundary umpire Patrick Rawsthorne, and goal umpire Georga Sallows were invited to attend the Championships after standout performances during the 2015-16 TIO NTFL season.
All four umpires certainly made an impact with each official named in a respective final.
Boundary umpire Patrick Rawsthorne said he was thankful for the opportunity to represent the Territory on the national stage.
“It was awesome, I got to mix with the other umpires and learn a lot about how different states umpire,” Rawsthorne said.
The 14-year-old umpired the Under 15 Boys Grand Final, an experience he said he would cherish forever.
Goal umpire Georga Sallows said the championships provided her with motivation ahead of the 2016-2017 NTFL season.
“I was fortunate enough to umpire the Under 15 Boys Grand Final which was a cool experience,” Sallows said.
“It's motivated me a lot, I would love to be able to umpire NTFL Premier League and even VFL down in Victoria.”
16-year-old Isaac Reid was a field umpire in the Under 15 Girls Grand Final and said it was great to meet umpires from all around the country.
“What I enjoyed most about the Championships was interacting with other umpires, they were all great people,” Reid said.
Field umpire Brodie Morcom officiated the Under 15 Play-off for third place.
The talented sportsperson said umpiring is his main passion and something he wishes to pursue in the future.
“My mentors said that I did really well and could have the chance to umpire some Premier League games this year, it was a great opportunity,” Morcom said.
It is the first time four umpires have represented the Territory in the history of the School Sport Australia National Championships.
Each umpire has returned to Darwin and has commenced training for the 2016-17 TIO NTFL season.
The group is on the lookout for more umpires to join the ranks.Head to www.getinthegame.com.au to find out more.
You can watch us catch up with the umpires on Youtube here:https://youtu.be/LFPD3yR9NDw