Games Record Holder and Life Member Noel Hooper with the very first whistle ever used in a game of Football. Last Wednesday the Geelong Umpires celebrated their Life Members night with close to 100 past and present members in attendance. For me this is one of the best nights of the year as I get the chance to speak to some of our greatest ever umpires and relive some of the great stories from their time in Umpiring.
One story was told by Mark Nolan who shared about how the appointments were made for finals and grand finals. These days umpires know usually by Tuesday night where they are going for the weekend but in the late 80’s and early 90’s, 2 Field umpires would be told turn up to the game but only 1 of them would be officiating. The umpires would find out by their coach who would hand each umpire an envelope informing them if they had been selected for the game. Boy have things changed! We were also fortunate enough to have guest speaker Bob Gartland attend and share about how he had researched in to every player to ever pull on the Geelong jumper in the history of the club. In his journey to find the history of the club he also came across a piece of umpire history being the first ever whistle used in a game of football back in 1901. I know that those who were in the room to experience and see this piece of history were reminded how great this game is and what an honor it is to be a part of it.
In the Lead up to Finals I will be highlighting some of our umpires who have either just got in to the game or been long serving members. This week’s profile umpire is on Peter Elliott. In my time with the Geelong Umpire Pete has been one of the leaders on and off the track. His work ethic and commitment cannot be faulted and is heading in the right direction heading in to finals.
Name: Rye Grossman or as lots of the spectators call me Gary Ablett!
Age: 21
Discipline: Boundary
What year did you start umpiring: Back in 2006, I have had a few years off in between this time however.
Total number of games: No idea. Maybe close to 200.
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
2008 GDFL Grand final,
2014 GFL Grand final and most-outstanding Boundary Umpire,
2015 GFL V GVFL Interleague Boundary Umpire
How did you get into umpiring?
As a kid I had an unusual habit of watching the umpires so my Uncle Paul told me to come down and give it a shot.
What is the best part about umpiring?
Great way to keep fit, watch great footy and that 99% of us get grandfinals at the end of the season!
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring?
There is no harm in trying. Get down to the rooms, sign up, get your kit and most importantly enjoy it!
Do you have any pre game superstitions?
You can over prepare. I'm one that people would say I'm too relaxed with my approach to games, but I rather to be casual and calm and enjoy the moment.
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring?
Apart from some of the names I've been called, I would have to say I think it would be a day in 2008 at North Shore. It was my first season of GFL footy and a bit of a windy and wet day. The ball went out of bounds and I fetched the heavy Sherrin to toss back in. In the process of the throwing the ball back into play, somehow I released the ball so it would not go over my head, but rather over the fence and into the crowd. One of those moments as an umpire you just dread because you know whats coming straight back at you from the spectators!
In the Lead up to Finals I will be highlighting some of our umpires who have either just got in to the game or been long serving members. This week’s profile umpire is on Peter Elliott. In my time with the Geelong Umpire Pete has been one of the leaders on and off the track. His work ethic and commitment cannot be faulted and is heading in the right direction heading in to finals.
Name: Rye Grossman or as lots of the spectators call me Gary Ablett!
Age: 21
Discipline: Boundary
What year did you start umpiring: Back in 2006, I have had a few years off in between this time however.
Total number of games: No idea. Maybe close to 200.
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
2008 GDFL Grand final,
2014 GFL Grand final and most-outstanding Boundary Umpire,
2015 GFL V GVFL Interleague Boundary Umpire
How did you get into umpiring?
As a kid I had an unusual habit of watching the umpires so my Uncle Paul told me to come down and give it a shot.
What is the best part about umpiring?
Great way to keep fit, watch great footy and that 99% of us get grandfinals at the end of the season!
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring?
There is no harm in trying. Get down to the rooms, sign up, get your kit and most importantly enjoy it!
Do you have any pre game superstitions?
You can over prepare. I'm one that people would say I'm too relaxed with my approach to games, but I rather to be casual and calm and enjoy the moment.
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring?
Apart from some of the names I've been called, I would have to say I think it would be a day in 2008 at North Shore. It was my first season of GFL footy and a bit of a windy and wet day. The ball went out of bounds and I fetched the heavy Sherrin to toss back in. In the process of the throwing the ball back into play, somehow I released the ball so it would not go over my head, but rather over the fence and into the crowd. One of those moments as an umpire you just dread because you know whats coming straight back at you from the spectators!
2014 GFL Grand Final and Most Outstanding Boundary Umpire Ryden Grossman
In umpiring when an interesting or unique situation comes up in a game we call it a “Blue Mooner”. Each week in this article I will ask a “Blue Mooner” question for you to answer. To find out the answer all you need to do is go to the Geelong Umpires website, www.gful.com.au, and look at “What’s your Decision” under the Coaching Information Tab. This week’s question is?
After a heavy downfall of rain, the clubs involved at McDonalds Reserve agree to move the centre square out 15m towards the outer wing. Can this occur? What is your Decision?
Remember to head to the website or check out next week’s article for the answer.
Last Week’s Question was:
A Barwon Heads player is awarded a free kick for an out of bounds on the full. When kicking the ball in the football fails to come back into play but goes over the fence 40 metres down the ground. What is your Decision?
Answer is throw in from where the kick was taken.
If you are interested in umpiring contact the Geelong Umpires on 03 5229 8599 or get down to the umpires’ rooms at Kardinia Park on a Monday or Wednesday from 4.30 pm onwards. Further information can be found on our brand new Geelong Umpires website. www.gful.com.au .
Remember to say something nice to the Umpires this weekend as they are giving it their all!
The Geelong Umpires would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2015.
Major: Metricon & Specsavers.
Gold: Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, Ford Credit Coop Society and Geelong Galvanizing.
Silver: Crossfit Geelong, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Kardinia Café, Rinnai, SC Technology, Sargeants Geelong and Technika.
Bronze: Barry Plant, Promote-It, and Routleys.
After a heavy downfall of rain, the clubs involved at McDonalds Reserve agree to move the centre square out 15m towards the outer wing. Can this occur? What is your Decision?
Remember to head to the website or check out next week’s article for the answer.
Last Week’s Question was:
A Barwon Heads player is awarded a free kick for an out of bounds on the full. When kicking the ball in the football fails to come back into play but goes over the fence 40 metres down the ground. What is your Decision?
Answer is throw in from where the kick was taken.
If you are interested in umpiring contact the Geelong Umpires on 03 5229 8599 or get down to the umpires’ rooms at Kardinia Park on a Monday or Wednesday from 4.30 pm onwards. Further information can be found on our brand new Geelong Umpires website. www.gful.com.au .
Remember to say something nice to the Umpires this weekend as they are giving it their all!
The Geelong Umpires would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2015.
Major: Metricon & Specsavers.
Gold: Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, Ford Credit Coop Society and Geelong Galvanizing.
Silver: Crossfit Geelong, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Kardinia Café, Rinnai, SC Technology, Sargeants Geelong and Technika.
Bronze: Barry Plant, Promote-It, and Routleys.
 Life Members Murray Fanning, Geoff Stribley and Mark Nolan (far right) and current GFUL Senior Umpire Tom Abrehart talking about the change to how umpires are notified of their appointment. |  Q & A with Life Members Murray Fanning, Shane Carbines and GFUL General Manager Dave Harris |
