Most people know ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain as the larger than life AFL umpire who stamps his mark on the game each week.

Ray is an enigmatic character who struts his stuff on the field often making it into the media for some of his on-field antics!

What most don’t know is there is much more to Ray than meets the eye!

From a footy perspective, Ray has officiated in over 389 games, the International Rules in 2011 and has been honoured with an AFL Life Membership. 

With 30+ finals, 6 preliminary finals and 3 grand finals under his belt, Ray is in the elite class of being one of only 60 field umpires in the history of the game to officiate as a field umpire in an AFL Grand Final.  This is certainly an elite club.

But umpiring is only one string to his bow.  Growing up in the ACT, Ray played representative cricket at a state level U/19 & U/21 and also at a national championship and senior level.  He has a teaching degree in Secondary Education and a diploma of Financial Services and Mortgage Broking running his own small business.

Ray combines 20 years of experience as a leading AFL Umpire, and decades of insight as a Business Owner, to bring important lessons of resilience, leadership, and decision-making to companies across Australia.

Ray, through the course of his colourful AFL career, has experienced both highs and lows; challenges he’s turned into lessons and strengths which he now shares to educate and inspire others.

His areas of expertise include managing stress in high-pressure environments, adapting to change, effective communication and goal setting. “Elite performance is the sum of all of the micro moments,” he says. “It’s a craft and it’s what underpins the most special moments.”

As a Senior AFL Umpire, Ray regularly features across TV and radio, passionately challenging common perceptions and pioneering positive discussions about the role AFL Umpires play in the game.

Driven by seeing first-hand the incredible impact sport has on our community, connections, health and wellbeing, Ray provides a unique lens into Victoria's most-loved sport. “Sport changes the world. The impact of Sport, particularly at the elite level, is greater and far wider-reaching than what happens in the two hours on the field.”

Ray is a founding member of the Chamberlain Foundation, which raises funds to provide support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. 

Ray is pictured here at the 2019 Razor Ride, one of the Chamberlain Foundation charity events held each year supporting RUOK and Lifeline.