Football
7 February, 2025
Stasinowsky appointed president of the WMUA
In a significant step for female inclusion in football, the Wimmera Mallee Umpires Association (WMUA) has elected Amy Stasinowsky as the 2025 president, the only current female president of an umpires association in Victoria.
The only previous female president of an umpires association in Victoria was Deb Sleep from the Ballarat Umpire's Association, who stepped down following the 2024 season after having been in the role for four years.
It's a massive boost for the Wimmera Mallee and despite never being an umpire, Stasinowky brings other experience to the table.
Stasinowsky was vice president in 2024, and following the resignation of Chris Van Buuren, Stasinowsky thought the time was right to do the role.
"I had to be acting president a few times last year, and with that experience, I thought it is probably a natural progression as anything else, and it's a role I know that I can do," Stasinowsky said.
"The only time I umpired was the Horsham District League Interleague game, and I did it to help and give it a try, and I saw the perspective on how umpiring works and the demands it takes.
"Whether or not I will consider doing goal umpire work again this year, that is a wait-and-see space because I think my role representing umpires is probably worth more than being on the field.
"I hope I can do a good job and represent all umpires with credibility and without bias."
"I am only one person, and I have a lot of good support around me with a full committee, and we will work together as a team, and I hope that we will achieve good things not only for the umpires but for the leagues."
When asked what she wants to achieve in the role this year, Stasinowsky highlighted cohesiveness and inclusivity, with only five of their 80-strong team female.
"Ultimately, I would love to make the group cohesive, and I would like for the female demographic to feel like umpiring is a real space they belong in," Stasinowsky said.
"I want them to see that they can achieve and reach high-profile areas, and there are pathways for them because we are still unrepresented in that female space.
"I am hoping that the umpires out there and leading by example will encourage other girls and women to feel like they can contribute there, too.
"We need to improve these numbers, and with natural progression, they will grow."
With a female football league being set up, when asked if they have had discussions about umpiring the league, which could increase the number of female umpires, Stasinowsky said that while it would be great, there have only been minor preliminary discussions.
"That will be somewhere we have potential for growth and something we will certainly explore. We have only had preliminary discussions with the league about a potential partnership," Stasinowsky said.
"Discussions would need to be had regarding what they may require from us, if they require anything at all.
They still have a lot to work through, but it has potential, and it would be fabulous to see it happen, so watch this space."
AFL Victoria Region Manager of the Wimmera Mallee and Sunraysia, Ang Ballinger, said having a female lead the umpires sends a good message.
"It shows that we are leading the way in sports and gender inclusivity, and I am very proud of it," Ballinger said.
"I look forward to working closely with her and seeing what we can achieve."
WMUA Committee Members
President: Amy Stasinowsky
Vice President: Ash Wright
Secretary: Neil King
Treasurer: Simon Dandy
Assistant Treasurer: Jamie Shevlin
General Committee Members: Gareth Lane, Paul Cocking, Ross Frew, Paul Aristides.