High Performance State Umpires Coach Darryl Sinclair says younger umpires will be the major beneficiaries of being involved in an era when the field, boundary and goal umpiring games record holders are all still part of the WAFL competition.
Last week, field umpire Craig Hendrie (332 games), boundary umpire Greg Smith (381 games) and goal umpire David Shawcross (342 games) all took part in the same match between Subiaco and East Perth at Medibank Stadium.
They were appointed together because the match celebrated field umpire Gavin Statham’s 300th match, so it allowed the members of the 300 club to be involved in the milestone.
The record holders are rarely appointed to the same games, and Sinclair said having their experience spread throughout the league gave the umpiring fraternity a major boost each week.
“It just helps to fast track our umpires through the talent pathway. Their experience and knowledge is invaluable,” Sinclair said.
“It’s much easier for a football club to replace a champion wingman or forward. They can go and recruit one from another club.
“You can’t just go and find another 300 game umpire. They’ve all umpired AFL football and we’re so lucky that we’ve been able to retain them in the system.”
Smith is set to continue into 2012, so he should reach 400 games. It promises to be a massive season because Shawcross and Hendrie would both pass 350 games too.
The experienced trio aren’t just making up the numbers each week either. Hendrie and Shawcross were named field and goal umpires of the year in 2010.
But Sinclair said Smith’s ability to guide the boundary umpiring team made him irreplaceable.
“The boundary umpires look up to Smithy so much,” Sinclair said.
“I think the whole group does actually. He’s a father figure and he just keeps running.
“The three of them clearly enjoy the fellowship amongst the group. We’ve got a great culture and they’ve helped to build that.”
Next month, the most improved umpires from all three disciplines will be awarded with medals named after the trio. Hendrie will present his medal for the first time.
The most improved medals have been named after the record holders, so Hendrie’s name replaces former record holder Grant Vernon this year.
