ONE of the WAFL’s longest serving and most dedicated field umpires has announced his retirement heading into the 2010 WAFL season after struggling through his 15th pre-season.
David Panagopoulos, 32, also steps down as president of the West Australian National Football League Umpires Association (WANFLUA), after serving with distinction for the past two seasons.
“Umpiring for 14 years has been a fair stint and I have really enjoyed it but my body just isn’t standing up to it anymore. I decided to assess it pre-season but after a few weeks it wasn’t working out and the decision was made,” Panagopoulos said.
“I woke up after a training session, was struggling to walk and thought to myself the season hasn’t even started. I’m going to enjoy watching a few games from the sidelines and sitting back and relaxing a bit. I’m also planning a few trips away and spending a bit more time with my wife.”
Panagopoulos finished off last season officiating in the WAFL finals series and last week, received Life Membership to WANFLUA.
He said he couldn’t rule out returning in the future in a coaching or advisors role. “I’ve had a great time and if my body could have kept going I would have too,” he said.
“I’m keen to return at some stage.”
Panagopoulos will be replaced as WANFLUA president by fellow field umpire Beau Wardman, who at 22 years of age, will be the youngest ever president of the Association.
“Beau is a very talented young man and I’m sure the Association will go from strength to strength under his leadership,” Panagopoulos said.
Wardman said he was looking forward to the challenge and continuing the outstanding work of Panagopoulos. “David brought a lot of professionalism to the group and his leadership has been outstanding,” he said.
“He also introduced a number of new initiatives and achieved better recognition for umpires. I am looking forward to the opportunity of carrying on where David has left off.”
Wardman, who made his league umpiring debut last season and has officiated in 13 games, said he had been earmarked as successor because he “liked to get things done.”
He also thanked Australian National Removals Group for their support during Panagopoulos’s presidency.
