THE AFL is considering employing at least two fulltime field umpires in 2017 for the first time ever, following the lead of the NBL.

Currently all football umpires are part-time employees capable of studying or working away from the game.

But in a shift that is sure to provoke plenty of debate, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to provide the funds required to make fulltime umpires a distinct possibility.

The league has held talks at high levels about increasing the commitment of some umpires next year, although the specific details are yet to be nutted out.

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In early 2014, former umpires boss Wayne Campbell poured cold water on the idea, suggesting that fulltime officials would not be able to fill their days with enough relevant work to justify a permanent salary.

But now foxfooty.com.au understands school clinics and junior education could be ramped up to satisfy the time commitment for the fulltime umpires, as well as other leadership responsibilities.

Campbell has since moved to GWS to head up its football program, with Luke Ball taking his place.

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Normally these community visits are shared among the entire fraternity on an ad hoc basis — including boundary and goal umpires — but a rethink is on the cards for next year.

The upcoming CBA will not only provide a major financial boost to players and clubs, but also to umpires.

The top field umpires made as much as $150,000 in 2016, while similarly proficient boundary and goal umpires collected upwards of $50,000.

Last month the NBL employed two fulltime referees for the first time in a move it hopes will “build a more professional program”.

Nathan Buckley talks with umpire Matt Stevic pre game. Pic: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Veterans Michael Aylen and Vaughan Mayberry were handed fulltime roles and the AFL has kept an eye on how the that transition has worked — albeit in a vastly different landscape to football.

If the league does decide to proceed with fulltime umpires, who gets the nod will depend on a couple of interconnecting factors.

Firstly, not all officials will be open to the idea.

Steve McBurney combined a law career with 400 AFL games and he would be the type who would not seek fulltime employment with the AFL.

However, someone like Matt Stevic, who umpired his fourth grand final this year, is believed to be a perfect candidate to have his role broadened to a fulltime capacity.

Stevic is a teacher by trade.

In season, they are given individual training programs and attend frequent coaching sessions in addition to two group trainings and a match per week.

There is no indication whether Ball will continue in the same role next season.

Tom Morris is on Twitter: @tommorris32