Perth Football League umpires come from all walks of life, and in Oliver Hunt-Stapleton’s case even move across the Nullabor from the East Coast.

Oliver moved to Perth in his early twenties for reasons other than umpiring but being so passionate for officiating the great game of Aussie Rules, the PFL beckoned. Back home in Melbourne, Oliver started his umpiring journey at the age of 13 when he volunteered as boundary umpire in the Western Region Football League. He continued in the WRFL eventually umpiring senior men matches featuring players such as Boomer Harvey, Adem Yze and Levi Greenwood.

Reminiscing, Oliver recalls “I saw Yze snap one from the pocket right on the boundary, and I just went ‘wow!’ And I’ve gotta pinch myself when a player takes a massive screamer right in front of me, that really makes me realise how much I love footy and want to keep coming back.”

His most recent achievement has been umpiring a PFL Toyota A Grade Men Final, but before then Oliver has officiated in a junior grand final and an Open Men Grand Final both back in the WRFL. That’s impressive considering Oliver is still only 23. Oliver also received the President’s award and Bruce Pain Perpetual Trophy for my efforts in junior and senior footy.

With an aspiration to continue moving up through the ranks in the umpiring ecosystem, Oliver is showing a determination to continue to improve, and he mentions this about the PFL umpiring community. “I love the camaraderie of the PFL umpires…it’s just like being at another footy club. We all get around each other and have a laugh while training and push each other to always improve our fitness and skills. The community footy feel is also something I love. All the families get out on the weekend to support relatives and friends, and there’s always kids having a kick for goal in the quarter and half-time breaks.”

When asked about the values that are essential to being a good umpire, Oliver lists integrity and consistency as most important. “Making sure I know the rulebook inside and out, staying impartial, and applying the laws of the game to make correct decisions, regardless of external pressures. Consistency is also key for maintaining fairness. If players can trust that I will make even-handed decisions throughout the whole game, they’re more likely to just play footy and not get involved in melees and scuffles. Respect for everyone involved is crucial. When we communicate with each other in a positive and non-threatening manner, we uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Oliver enjoys being outdoors, which goes hand in hand with being an umpire and helps keep fitness levels up when he’s not running around a PFL oval. Preparation is key for big games as well; with a solid fitness base Oliver can focus on keeping to routine so he’s ready to go at the first bounce.

The PFL hopes Oliver achieves his goal of reaching WAFL level, and above, in the coming years, but is proud to have him in our umpiring ranks before then.