THE NFL is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Ellis as the league’s new Head of Umpiring.
Ellis is a former AFL umpire who officiated 244 matches at the elite level, including the 2001 AFL Grand Final and two pre-season Grand Finals, between 1996 and 2008.
More recently he has worked as a senior field umpire observer for the VFL and has assisted AFL Victoria with a number of projects.
CEO Peter McDougall said Ellis (pictured below, left) was the outstanding applicant in a quality field.
“I am extremely happy to secure the services of Martin to build upon the great work by Kevin Smith,” McDougall said.
“Martin brings to the role a wealth of experience in all areas of umpiring and I look forward to working with him to develop the umpiring department of the NFL.”
Ellis replaces Kevin Smith as NFL Director of Umpiring following Smith’s retirement at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
Ellis will commence work with the NFL on November 17.
