Like many kids growing up, all I wanted to do was play AFL football. During my AFL umpiring career, when I used to travel around Australia speaking to schools, community football clubs and umpiring groups, I was often asked whether I had ever played the game.
While many of us aspire to play at AFL level, few of us do. But there are many other ways to get involved. This season has seen the reintroduction of a program to promote diversity and inclusion, enabling people with Down Syndrome to also participate in AFL football at the highest level.
The Fiona McBurney Match-Day Experience is the result of a partnership between the AFL, the AFL Umpires’ Association, Down Syndrome Victoria and Apricot Consulting. It aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match-day.
Participants are part of the match-day umpiring team and play a real role as a guest trainer.
In full AFL uniform, they undertake responsibilities including setting up the rooms, checking the air pressure in the match balls, preparing drinks, assisting the coin toss and helping the umpires on the ground during breaks. They sit on the bench with the umpires’ trainers and listen to the umpires communicating live during the game.
In addition, their involvement is acknowledged by their name appearing in the AFL Record, they receive a football signed by the AFL umpires and tickets are provided to their family who are supported by official chaperones from the AFL and AFL umpiring fraternity.
The program is named after Fiona McBurney, the sister of 401-game AFL umpire Steve McBurney.
Fiona, who passed away in 2009, loved football and was the inspiration for the program when it started in its original format in 2007.
She had participated in the program and always had a fascination for umpiring. When the program was relaunched this season and they were looking to name it, Fiona seemed the obvious choice.
The program has had a significant impact on the participants and their families with one family writing recently that it had been a “life changing experience” for their son. Another participant Michaela Wilkinson told her mother in the rooms after the game: “I am so happy, I have water in my eyes.”
It has also had significant benefits for the umpires as well. Many have commented on how it has been a personally enriching experience when they see how much it means for the participants and their families.
There are plans to expand it to other states starting at the Gabba in round 13.
It is also hoped the program can be used as a catalyst to show what is possible, drive increased inclusion and lead to the further creation of more roles in AFL football for people with disabilities. You can follow the program on social media @sport_ability (Twitter and Instagram) and Sportabilities (Facebook).
STUART WENN RETIRED AT THE END OF THE 2014 SEASON AFTER OFFICIATING IN 341 GAMES.
This article first appeared in the AFL Record.
