The Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) will hold their Umpires Carnival this Saturday 9 April in Katherine.
The Umpires Carnival is an annual event open to all teams in the Big Rivers Region and serves to highlight the important role umpires play in the game. The event will also act as a development opportunity for club umpires, with each team to provide some umpiring services throughout the day.
Men’s and women’s teams will compete in the carnival-style senior event comprising of multiple shorter matches played across the day, with the winner taking home bragging rights and the perpetual Umpires Shield.
AFL Northern Territory Regional Development Manager for Katherine Clint Firth said the carnival is good match preparation for teams leading into the 2022 BRFL season and for other teams, it is an opportunity to show their skills and represent their community.
“The Umpires Carnival started as a pre-season carnival for the teams in the league to get some miles in their legs before the season started but has turned into a major carnival for both men and women’s teams in the region,” he said.
“This year, we are not only expecting the regular local teams entering into the carnival, we are also expecting teams from as far as Borroloola and Belyuen! You don’t have to be part of the season to compete in Umpires Carnival, any team is welcome.
“The carnival is renowned for being played in good spirits with players across the region coming together to enjoy playing footy and throw their support behind the umpires, especially those coming down and giving it a go for the first time.
“Some profits and umpire wages from the day will be donated to the Katherine Umpires Association to facilitate further umpire development right across the region.”
BRFL Umpires Carnival Event Details:
When: Saturday 9 April Gates open 8.30am
Where: Katherine Showgrounds
Want to enter a team? Contact Clint on clinton.firth@afl.com.au or 0439 116 984
The BRFL home and away season will begin on Friday 22 April, stay tuned for the fixture announcement next week.