The Australian Football League and broader football community will come together in Round 6 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season (April 16-19) to recognise and celebrate Community Umpiring Week.
The initiative shines a light on the vital role umpires play across Australian football, promotes respect for those officiating at all levels, and highlights the pathways available for people to get involved in umpiring.
Community Umpiring Week will once again see AFL umpires and payers connect directly with grassroots football, creating memorable experiences and supporting the development of the next generation of officials.
This year, AFL field umpire Nathan Williamson has been engaged as the Community Umpire Week Ambassador. Williamson, who has officiated 221 matches since making his AFL debut in 2017, has built a reputation as one of the competition's most respected umpires and is passionate about giving back to the community level of the game.
Williamson will join a cohort of elite umpires and attend local umpire training during the week, sharing his journey insights with emerging umpires.
"My dad used to umpire in country Western Australia, so I grew up wanting to be like him and give it a go," Williamson said.
"It means a lot to be able to give back to community umpires like my younger self during this week.
"The numbers and standard of umpiring across community football continues to grow, which is great to see, and weeks like this help maintain and strengthen that connection between elite level and grassroots.
"It's also a chance to say thanks to the thousands of umpires who make the game possible every weekend."
Across the week, a series of initiatives will be delivered nationwide, including:
• AFL umpires attending local umpire training sessions
• AFL umpires officiating local community football matches alongside developing umpires
• Community umpires leading AFL umpires onto the ground at Round 6 matches
• Junior community umpires officiating NAB AFL Auskick games at half-time
• AFL captains meeting community umpires at the coin toss
• Recognition of long-serving umpires through Umpire Service Awards
The AFL continues to see strong growth in umpiring participation, with more than 1400 registered umpires nationally, 13% of which are females signalling a significant rise in women and girls taking up officiating roles in recent years.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said Community Umpiring Week plays an important role in supporting and celebrating umpires across the country.
"Community Umpiring Week is an opportunity for the whole football industry to come together and recognise the important role umpires play at every level of our game," Auld said.
"Through initiatives across the week, we're able to connect our elite umpiring group with local and junior umpires, helping provide experiences that support their development and strengthen their connection to the game.
"As participation continues to grow, so too does the need for umpires. It's critical we continue to attract and support people into officiating and ensure they have a positive experience within the game.
"Umpiring offers a unique way to stay involved in football, build confidence, develop leadership skills and be part of a strong community.
"On behalf of the AFL, I'd like to thank all community umpires across Australia. Your contribution each week is essential to our game. I also want to recognise the AFLUA and all the AFL/AFLW listed umpires who dedicate essential support to help grow umpiring and provide guidance at all levels."
Community Umpiring Week activations will take place across all Round 6 AFL matches, with additional activities delivered in the Northern Territory (Round 9) and Tasmania (Round 11).
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