RON Threlfall has devoted a major part of his life to the umpiring body in Bendigo and its surrounding districts.
He first joined the Bendigo Umpires Association in 1978 as a boundary umpire and after just 16 matches decided to take on the duties of central whistle blowing.

In 1980 he officiated the senior grand final between Kangaroo Flat and Northern United in the Golden City Football League --- a fine achievement considering he'd only been part of the BUA for two years.

Ron was a member of the BUA when it was first awarded the opportunity to umpire in the BFL seniors in 1983.
Up till that time senior men-in-white from the then VFL came to Bendigo to officiate as centrals.

And until 1983 Ron had umpired the Loddon Valley Football League and the Echuca District Football League grand finals along with the BFL play-offs in 1982 and 1983.

OVER the next decade Ron was at the peak of his powers, resulting in his regular appearances on the Bendigo Football League grand final programmes.

In that time he was a central umpire in the BFL grannies in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993 and 1995.

In that time Ron also officiated in three inter-league clashes involving the BFL Blue and Golds.

And in 1999 he began his significant off-field contributions to the BUA when he assumed the role
of chairman of the board.

Ron held that vital position until 2003 and during that time his leadership abilities were severely tested.

As president during the turbulent 2001-2002 seasons Ron was forced to confront a conflict which had, as a possible outcome, the Bendigo Football Netball League dispensing with the services of the Bendigo Umpires Association.
However, as chairman he was able to galvanise his members and ensure their support when the very existence of the BUA was under threat.

This achievement would rank as one of Ron's finest moments as indicated by the strong relationship which both organizations now share.

After those tough years --- 1999-2003 --- Ron stood aside as president and took a back seat. But that didn't last for long.

IN 2005 he returned to the board as General Manager, a position he held until the end of 2007.

And over the quarter of a century's involvement with the BUA Ron has also served terms as chairman of selectors for the BUA.

His active involvement has ensured that the best umpires officiate in the correct games for their ability levels.
He has now retired from active involvement with the BUA to follow his son Ryan as he forges a blossoming career as a senior footballer with Eaglehawk in the BFNL.

Ron's record in grand finals and his fine off-field contributions have also been enhanced by his individual BUA honours.

He was recognized as Umpire of the Year in 1984, 1985, 1989 and 1993.

His contribution of more than 25 years both on and off-field has resulted in his life membership of the Bendigo Umpires Association.

Without Ron's contribution and commitment to the BUA and the BFNL the independence which sets us apart here in central Victoria would no longer exist.

He has been a larger than life figure for the BUA in local footy circles in a field which is often overlooked.
Ron's a very worthy inductee to the BFNL Hall of Fame.

HIS close scrutiny of matches involving Eaglehawk is often invaluable to this football scribe.

Perched in the Eaglehawk grandstand on a freezing winter afternoon, it's invariably useful to compare notes with Ron about who is doing what out on Canterbury Park.
With a reporter's paraphernalia perched on knees ---notebook, Friday's Advertiser opened to the BFNL teams page, BFNL weekly guide --- occasionally a tiny item might escape one's notice.

Something important might have occurred while attention is momentarily diverted to scribbling down notes in the aforesaid notebook.

If seated close by, Ron can always be relied upon to provide the relevant details.

He'll know the goalkicker, not only for the Two Blues but the opposition club as well. He'll also be able to pass on who got the ball into scoring range.

That was the case the other Saturday as an icy wind knifed through the upper decks of the Canterbury Park stand.
The Two Blues were playing South, and it was a low-scoring but tightly fought encounter.

Ron knew who had kicked a goal snapped out of a pack. Who had laid a great tackle. Who had run 150 metres to get ready for a long pass.

It's often very useful to confer with others, just to check that facts are correct.

Occasionally, though, familial pride shines through.
"That no. 16 is going all right for Eaglehawk, Richard," Ron would remark.
Number 16 for Eaglehawk is, of course, his son Ryan who is a terrific midfielder/forward for the Canterbury Park Hawks.
And, yes, on that afternoon he was certainly going all right !

WITH thanks to Darren Lewis and the BFNL Hall of Fame selection committee.
RON Threlfall was inducted into the Hall of Fame on October 29th, 2010. He remains the only umpire to have been honoured by the BFNL in three Hall of Fame inductions: 1986, 1996 and 2010.

Richard's tips for split round 14, Week 1: Strathfieldsaye, Maryborough, Golden Square.
Week 2: South Bendigo, Gisborne. Season total: 42.

By Richard Jones