Award win a reflection of umpire collective: Sleep

THE Ballarat Football Umpires Association (BFUA) will enter the 2026 season in a ‘healthy’ position, but not immune to the challenges that affect most community, volunteer-led organisations.

That’s the verdict from the association’s former chairperson Deb Sleep, who pointed to retaining volunteers and continuing to create safe and inclusive environments for young umpires, as key battles on the road ahead.

Her assessment comes a few weeks on from her MacKenzie/Valpied Award win for sports administrator of the year at the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

Sleep, who relinquished the chairperson role to Chris Jones in 2025, admitted to being ‘genuinely humbled and very honoured’ to win the award, before saying it reflected more on the umpiring body as a whole rather than her own contribution.

“You don’t volunteer in community sport expecting recognition, you do it because you care deeply about the people involved and the future of the organisation,” she said.

“So, to be acknowledged in this way was incredibly special.

“At the same time, it felt like a reflection of the collective effort of so many people at the BFUA.

“No chairperson achieves anything alone.

“This award belongs just as much to our head of umpiring operations, board members, coaches, mentors, valued sponsors and, most importantly, our umpires.”

Sleep, who became the BFUA’s first female chairperson in 107 years in December of 2020, is certain the association is during a period of what she termed ‘real strength’.

“Over the past few years, we’ve focused on creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and proud to be part of the association,” she said.

“That foundation has allowed us to grow participation, strengthen partnerships and build genuine pathways for young umpires.

“When an organisation has clarity around its values and direction, it gives everyone confidence – and I’d like to think we’re seeing the benefits of that.”

A champion of the BFUA’s trademarks of respect, integrity, support and resilience, Sleep has seen genuine and gratifying progress in relation to the association’s values.

That, she believes, is due to their grassroots nature.

“These trademarks came directly from our members, shaped by asking simple questions: what do we value most in ourselves, and how do we want to be seen within our community? ” she said.

“Respect, integrity, support and resilience are qualities that resonate strongly within community sport.

“The key was embedding them into everyday language and behaviour.

“We’ve spoke about them consistently, we referred to them in decision-making, and we actively role-modelled them.

“Cultural change takes time, but when people see those values applied fairly and consistently, they naturally embrace them. I’m proud of how deeply they are now woven into the BFUA.”

Last season was a banner season in terms of umpires registrations, with a record-high 421 umpires on the books.

Sleep’s tenure as leader, which ended at the end of 2024, was further highlighted by a 25 per cent increase in female umpire participation and the launch of four new school umpire academies.

As proud as Sleep and the association are of those numbers, she insisted they were only meaningful if the experience behind them is positive.

“Registrations and participation numbers are important, but culture is what sustains an organisation long-term,” she said.

“Seeing young umpires grow in confidence, seeing senior members support others with patience, and seeing difficult moments handled with resilience – that’s what makes me proud.

“Our focus has always been on both recruitment and retention.

“If we continue creating strong pathways through our school academies and community partnerships, and maintain a culture where people feel supported, I believe we can maintain strong membership numbers.

“Growth must always be sustainable and centered on people.

“If people leave the BFUA not just as better umpires but as stronger individuals, then we’ve done something meaningful.”

Sleep is confident the BFUA is well-placed to meet the many and varied on and off-field challenges headed its way in 2026 and beyond.

“The BFUA is in a healthy position, however challenges ahead are similar to many community organisations – retaining volunteers, continuing to create safe and inclusive environments, and ensuring young umpires feel supported as the game evolves,” she said.

“Growth brings opportunity, but it also requires ongoing care and leadership.”

Fifteen months on from the end of her tenure as chairperson, Sleep remains fiercely proud of the association’s achievements in her time, in particular the increased focus on umpire well-being and the establishment of a Youth Voice Committee.

The trailblazing former umpires boss hopes her experience will serve as inspiration to others.

I hope it sends a message that leadership in sport is open to everyone,” she said.

“Representation matters. If young girls and women within our association can see that leadership roles are attainable, then that’s incredibly meaningful.

“But more than being ‘the first’, I hope I’m remembered for helping strengthen the culture, broaden participation and leaving the BFUA in a position where the next generation can thrive.”