Keeping fit one of many benefits of umpiring, Goulburn Valley Umpires Association father-daughter duo says

Now Glenn's daughter Erica is officiating, with the father-daughter duo members of the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association.

With Community Umpiring Week finishing up on Sunday, Glenn and Erica chatted to The News about what it was like to be an umpire at community level.

“For me, it's the fitness and being involved (in the game) more than anything,” Glenn said.

“I started in ‘87 when I was at school and really followed dad.

“Erica has gone the same way.”

Erica, who competes in waterski tournaments in the summer, said it was good for her fitness.

“It's something nice to do in the winter and it keeps you fit,” she said.

Glenn said it gave her something to do away from the water-skiing.

“For Erika, it's quite different than skiing season.

“It gives her an out and helps her with the out-of-season training when she's not skiing.”

Across his career, Glenn said some of his favourite matches to officiate were home and away matches, but 2011 was definitely a standout year.

“That was a big year for me,” he said.

“I did the division one VCFL (Victorian Country Football League)-VFA (Victorian Football Association) interleague and the GV (Goulburn Valley League) grand final.

“That was my first of five grands finals.

“I was also named VCFL umpire of the year in 2011 and last year I was made a life member.

“Now I tend to be running around with the younger ones coming through and helping them.

“It's (coaching) something I have done on and off and you do umpire differently because you are watching them.

“It's a balance of helping them improve and not dropping off yourself.”

● If you and your family members are interested in becoming an umpire, contact the Goulburn Valley Umpires Association for more information.

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