Torquay firey gets call-up to state umpires’ list

AFL Victoria’s newest state level umpires have been announced for 2023 with a Torquay local being AFL Barwon’s lone call-up.

Torquay Fire Brigade volunteer and football boundary umpire since 2017, Ben Tingiri, was one of 46 match officials to get word of their promotion to adjudicate Victorian state league level football in 2023, in leagues such as the VFL, VFLW, NAB League Boys and NAB League Girls.

Tingiri was one of 100 V/Line Community Umpire Talent Academy participants who umpired the best under 15 boys and girls from country Victoria in the V/Line Cup last September.

From there, state league umpire coaches from all three disciplines (field, boundary and goal) attended to scout out the next batch of state league umpires, and Tingiri was among the selectees.

“I’m extremely excited to meet new people in the umpiring community,” he said.

“Last year in 2022, we went up to train with some of the VFL guys through the academy’s accelerator squad and taking part I could definitely see the difference in training and intensity at that next level, but the camaraderie was clearly a massive element.

“I’ve had some really good coaches over the past year and a lot of help from a bunch of friends of mine to take my umpiring to the next level. I’m just really excited to get stuck into it.”

Tingiri’s said his ability to thrive in a team stems from his time at his local CFA station alongside brother Jack and father Tim.

“Joining a fire brigade certainly allows you the meet new people, deal with different circumstances and react to quite challenging and confronting scenarios, all of which are a real benefit to experience for being an umpire,” the 19-year-old said.

“Being in the CFA, we have rules we have got to follow, whether or not we agree with a decision, we have a job to do, similar to umpiring.”

Tingiri has thought about the prospect of pushing for an AFL spot, but he is committed to self-improvement on the boundary line at this stage.