Sale Umpires Association

A small selection of photos from the historic first AGL Loy Yang North Gippsland Football Netball League and Sale Umpires all-female senior panel.

Hi team,

It is with great pride and joy that I share some historic news with you all.

When I stepped into the role of Director of Umpiring in 2022, I arrived with a clear mandate and a personal mission: to fundamentally change the landscape of our panel. A primary goal was to actively recruit and develop women and girls into umpiring. Today, reflecting on that four-year journey, the transformation is undeniable.

We have successfully moved the needle from a 5% participation rate in 2022 to an impressive 20% in 2026. And we are not done yet.

Through the strategic introduction of our Women & Girls Come & Try nights, the appointment of two female coaches, and the pathway we established - which saw our first all-female Grand Final panel in 2024, and again in 2025 - we have been building toward a moment exactly like the one coming this weekend.

This Saturday, May 9, will be a landmark day for Sale Umpires and the North Gippsland Football Netball League. For the first time in league and Association history, an NGFNL Senior match will be officiated by an all-female panel.

This isn't just a win for the record books; it is a validation of the rigorous standards and the culture of excellence we have fostered over the last four years. We haven't just grown in numbers; we have cultivated the talent necessary to command a senior stage.

Make no mistake: this is not a token gesture. These umpires have earned their place through sheer ability and dedication to the craft. Their appointment is a testament to their hard work and the effectiveness of the programs we’ve put in place to support them.

I am looking forward to being there to witness this historic event personally. If you can’t make it down, stay tuned - I’ll be capturing plenty of photos to document this proud chapter in our association’s history.

Shane Garvey
Director of Umpiring
Sale Umpires Association
0402 552 003

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