The Umpires Carnival is an annual event open to all teams in the Big Rivers Region and serves to highlight the important role umpires play in the game.

The carnival will be held at Nitmiluk oval from 10.30am.

This year the event will also act as a development opportunity for club umpires, with each team to provide some umpiring services throughout the day.

The day will kick off with the Territory Roadmarking Under 11 and BCAC Under 14 grades putting their skills on display before the senior teams arrive.

Men's and women's teams will then compete in the carnival-style senior event comprising of shorter matches played across the day, with the winner taking home bragging rights and the perpetual Umpires Shield.

AFL Northern Territory regional development manager for Katherine, Julie Hunter, said that the carnival is good match preparation for teams leading into the 2019 BRFL Season and for other teams it is an opportunity to show their skills and represent their community

"The carnival is renowned for being played in good spirits with players across the region coming together to enjoy playing footy and throw their support behind the umpires.

"All profits and umpire wages from the day are donated to the Katherine Umpires Association to facilitate further umpire development right across the region," she said.

The BRFL home and away season will begin on Saturday, April 26, stay tuned for the fixture announcement next week.

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