A Bendigo umpiring trio has reached a significant milestone.
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Both John Norton and Dale Caldwell recently umpired their 200th senior BFNL game.
While Paul Smythe reached his 200th senior game across four leagues; BFNL, LVFNL, HDFNL and the NCFL.
With many games to remember, there is one that remains clear as day in Caldwell's mind.
"The 2012 grand final when Gisborne's Rod Sharp had an after the siren 50m shot at goal to win the game and it fell short," Caldwell said.
"People still talk about it to this day."
This year marks Caldwell's 12th season as an umpire and has enjoyed all the challenges it has presented.
"Sometimes there can be a little bit of pressure on you as an umpire, but it helps me concentrate and stay focused," Caldwell said.
It has also been an outlet for him to stay fit and meet like-minded people who are now lifelong friends, such as Norton.
"You make some great friendships as an umpire," Norton said.
Norton became an umpire around the same time as Caldwell, and he still remembers his first ever BFNL senior match.
"It was South Bendigo Vs Kyneton at the QEO," Norton said.
"I can still remember the intensity of the game being a vast step up from Loddon Valley and Heathcote District senior football that we umpired."
A lot of the time in football the focus is always on the efforts of the players, but it takes a lot of energy to be an umpire.
"Umpiring is a big commitment, just like players we train twice a week and can umpire most of the weekend, so you need a supportive environment, especially from family, which I have," Norton said.
"If you have a strong fitness base, very good knowledge of the rules and can build rapport with players and officials you will be a successful umpire.
"At the end of the day, the best umpires are the ones that are not noticed in a game."
Looking forward, Norton believes he still has a few games left in him.
"As long as the body holds up," he laughed. "I will continue to umpire at a decent standard and give back to the game."
The Bendigo Umpires Association adjudicates the Bendigo Football Netball League, North Central Football League, Loddon Valley Football Netball League, Bendigo Junior Football League and the Central Victoria Women's League.
The umpires are now busy with football finals across the leagues, with the BFNL in its final regular round.
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