Turning up every Saturday to stand between the goals, Graeme Carter doesn’t take too much notice of the number of games in which he has officiated.
For him, it’s the friendship and camaraderie that comes with being a goal umpire that has him returning every year.
On Saturday, Carter umpired his 1000th game as part of the Riddell Umpires group that officiates in both the Riddell District and Ballarat football leagues.
Carter, 69, is now the fifth official to have umpired 1000 games for the Riddell Umpires. He began goal umpiring in 1987. “I normally do two games a week,” he said before his milestone game between Melton Centrals and Lancefield at the weekend.
“One of my mates, Brian Pizaro, is an umpire and he suggested I come down. He’s umpired more than 900 games himself. I love doing it for the teamwork and camaraderie. It’s something I really enjoy.”
On top of his 1000 games as a goal umpire, he has blown the whistle in more than 150 games as a field umpire.
Carter says his preference of the two officiating roles is goal umpiring. “I started in the EDFL [Essendon District Football League] and umpired 160-odd games there,” he says.
There have been many memorable games in his time as an umpire, but one under-18 match stands out.
“There was an under-18 grand final and it was a draw. The following week the result was a one-point margin.”
The Sunbury resident says the game has changed a lot since he started.
“We train every week and go through
all the procedures and game situations on Wednesdays.
“The way the players play the game has changed a lot. It’s more professional now.”
Having reached the magical 1000th game milestone, Carter believes he has a lot left to give to the game.
“I’ll keep going as long as they want me,” he says. “The friendships and the teamwork you develop is why I do it. You just help each other out.”
