Talented umpire Lilly Spocter.
Lilly Spocter, a talented 16-year-old football umpire, has made headlines by winning the prestigious AS McLean Medal for the best-performing umpire at the School Sport National Championships held in Queensland. Her remarkable achievement highlights her dedication to the sport and her aspirations for a future in umpiring.
During a recent interview at a Year 11-12 match between the Quinns Bulls and Warwick Greenwood Knights in West Perth, Spocter expressed her ambitions clearly. “I would like to go as far as I can,” she stated, acknowledging that her ultimate goal is to reach the AFL. Despite the pressure, she maintains a calm approach to her responsibilities on the field, saying, “I just take it as it comes to be honest.”
Spocter started her umpiring journey several years ago after seeing an advertisement on the Facebook page of her local club, Wanneroo. Attracted by her love for football and a desire to stay active, she decided to give it a try. “I like to run, I love the game of footy, so I’ll give it a go,” she recalled.
Training and Mentorship
Currently, Spocter is involved in the AFL and WA Football-led National Women’s Umpire Development Program. She trains twice a week under the guidance of Courtney Gibson, a specialist from the WA Football Commission and a current AFLW umpire. Spocter looks up to several respected figures in the field, including former West Perth district umpire Dan Johanson and AFL umpires Brett Rosebury and Razor Ray Chamberlain.
Receiving the AS McLean Medal was a moment of triumph for Spocter. “When they announced my name, I was in complete shock,” she said, recalling the excitement of the moment. Surrounded by fellow umpires and peers from Western Australia, she was met with enthusiastic cheers upon accepting the award.
Skills and Experiences on the Field
Spocter attributes her confidence in making decisions to her thorough understanding of the game. “I’ve just read the rule book and watched so many games of footy,” she explained. Her experience as a player has also contributed to her ability to read the play effectively. As she continues to develop her skills, she is particularly focused on improving her ball-ups and centre bounces, essential elements of officiating.
The camaraderie she finds in umpiring is another aspect she cherishes. “Making new friends and umpiring with people you’ve never umpired with before” adds to the joy of the experience. During the intense match between the Bulls and Knights, Spocter reflected on her performance, stating, “It was a bit heated at the end, but it was a good game. So it was fun.”
Despite the challenges of dealing with boundary abuse, Spocter has learned to remain focused. “Honestly, I’ve learnt to just block it out,” she shared. “You know that you’re right, and you just pay what you see, and that’s all you can do.”
Her commitment does not end with umpiring; Spocter is also pursuing a career in nursing, inspired by her family. She has started a Certificate IV in nursing at TAFE, drawn to the profession by her desire to help others. “Helping people is what attracts me,” she added, indicating her ambition to balance both careers.
As she continues her journey in umpiring and nursing, Spocter encourages others to consider officiating. “Just to give it a go, right?” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you make the wrong call. You just trust yourself.”
With her talent and determination, Lilly Spocter exemplifies the potential of young umpires in the sport, making her a name to watch in the future.
