Bendigo Advertiser |Their playing days on the footy field may have ended, but several ex-players are now getting their kicks as members of the Bendigo Umpires Association.
AFTER many seasons racking up kicks, marks, one per centers and more, several former footballers have tackled a key role as umpires.
Scott Baxter, Tony Keating, Jason Maher and Ben Matthews are among the former players now officiating at various levels with the BUA.
The quartet were all keen to stay involved with the game, once they called an end to their playing days.
In recent seasons the BUA has called on former players to "have a go" at umpiring.
Baxter and Matthews are in their first season, Maher his second, and Keating his fourth.
Baxter played a lot of senior football in stints at Castlemaine, Sandhurst, Newbridge, Birchip-Watchem and Nullawil.
In his debut season he has umpired Bendigo reserves, youth girls and several junior matches.
"I thought I would get involved and have a go," Baxter said of taking up umpiring after son, Bailey started as a boundary umpire last year.
Maher previously played football at Mitiamo and has progressed to being a central umpire in Bendigo, Loddon Valley and North Central matches.
"Fitness and positioning are two of the biggest challenges.
"I didn't realise how much running an umpire does."
The most experienced of the quarter, Keating originally joined the BUA to officiate in junior matches.
"I was keen to give back to the juniors," said the former North Bendigo and YCW player.
With encouragement from umpires coach Dean Goodridge, Keating has kicked on to be umpiring Bendigo FNL seniors.
Matthews' past clubs as a player include North Bendigo, Lake Boga and Charlton.
His debut season has included under-18, and various levels in the Bendigo Junior Football League.
"There's a lot to learn, especially about positioning."
BUA chairman and long-time central umpire John Norton said the influx of ex-players was a huge plus for the association.
Other recruits who have retired in recent seasons include Jeff Turpin, Mick Galvin and Stephen Korp.
"It is never too late to start umpiring," Norton said.
"Ex-footballers know where to run on the field and know the rules, so they are already halfway to knowing the basics of umpiring."
The BUA will host a joint “Laws of the Game” presentation on Wednesday, June 24 from 6.30pm at the Weeroona Oval clubrooms.
Guest speaker is legendary football coach David Parkin.
To register your interest, contact Sharon McColl on 0418 569 394 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
