leave their gear and so on identifying learning referees   (some associations put 'L' plates on their uniform).  The theory behind this is that we are generally conditioned to be more tolerant of people we know are still learning introducing the 'sit-down' rule, prohibiting coaches from speaking to officials during the game presenting referees of finals with a medal. The most important message is that it does not end now that the Year of the Official is over.  Officials are as necessary to our game as the ball and the hoop, and demonstrating that they are valued goes a long way towards attracting and keeping them. Australian Football League Adrian Panazzo, National Umpiring Development Manager From the Australian Football League's perspective we are supporting the development of the game and umpiring on a number of fronts. The two programs look at both the environment in which umpires officiate and the quality of instruction they get access to during the critical stages of their early development. Development staff and umpires who present coach education courses have historically focussed on the laws and interpretations of the game. Now, in a deliberate move, the central theme in coach education courses is, 'coaches make better umpires'. We discuss the role of the coach in setting the right environment and establishing the proper values that support the umpire and their development. We say that the coach is the most influential person in the sporting club and that they have a broader responsibility to the game than