Eleni Tee makes history as first mother to umpire an AFL match

·

Eleni Tee (nee Glouftsis) is set to make history as the first mother to serve as a field umpire in an AFL game, returning to the field after maternity leave on Sunday, March 16, at Adelaide Oval, where her one-year-old son Levi will be in the crowd.

Tee, who became the first female field umpire in the AFL in 2017, will officiate the match between Adelaide and St Kilda in her hometown.

Tee and her husband, Dillon, a former AFL boundary umpire, welcomed their son Levi last February.

Tee, who has umpired 82 AFL/AFLW games, described the return as both exciting and nerve-wracking, saying, “I’m excited and nervous about all seasons, because you really care about it and want to do your best.”

Despite challenges of returning to umpiring after childbirth, Tee’s recovery was supported by pelvic floor physiotherapy and a careful fitness regimen.

She credits her husband’s support for allowing her to return to her dream job.

“It was such a blessing,” Tee said of Dillon’s help at home.

Photo: Roy VanDerVegt.

Tee also reflected on the AFL’s new four-umpire system, which reduces the physical demands of the role and made her decision to return easier.

“If I was in Melbourne, I probably would have retired,” Tee admitted.

“But because I had the option of being with my family and surrounded by my support network, it has worked.”

AFL officiating head Stephen McBurney praised Tee for her preparation, noting, “Her professionalism and dedication have been outstanding.”

Tee also believes that motherhood will give her a fresh perspective on umpiring decisions.

“You can’t change a decision… but dwelling doesn’t help in terms of your performance,” she said.

With her son Levi growing more interactive, Tee is excited to balance both motherhood and her career on the field, with her family cheering her on.

“He’s lots of fun to watch explore the world, which has been wonderful,” she said.

Source: The Advertiser.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies set to honour the late Peter Jasonides

The Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS) is organising a Memorial dedicated to the work of the late Panagiotis Iasonidis.

Sydney driver Zisi Kokotatsios yet to enter pleas over fatal crash that killed Mitch East

More than a year after the fatal crash that killed 28-year-old lawyer Mitch East, Sydney man Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, has yet to enter pleas.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek Recipes: Diples

Diples are traditional, sweet Greek pastries that are topped with walnuts and drizzled with honey!

Federal Budget 2021: What’s in it for you?

Every year the Federal Budget comprises thousands of pages of facts and figures. This is what this year's budget means for you.

Margaret Skagias receives Community Recognition statement for CaringKids

Margaret Skagias has been awarded a Community Recognition Statement for her work with CaringKids, a charity dedicated to supplying toys for youth carers.