By Tayla Kershaw
JAMES Browne proudly umpired his milestone 500th game recently.
The South Gippsland Umpires Association (SGUA) umpire ticked over 500 games during the semi-final between Inverloch-Kongwak and Nar Nar Goon played at Cora Lynn.
It was a memorable occasion with friends and family travelling out to the Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve to show their support.
“It was a great day. It was nice to have my friends and family there cheering,” Browne said.
Browne began his umpiring career at age 14 in 2006. At the time, he played in the juniors for the Tarwin Football Netball Club.
“There was one day where we were asked if we were able to help out, so I began running the boundary as an early introduction,” he said.
Browne joined SGUA in 2007 and became a field umpire in 2008. He started umpiring in the U18s but was umpiring Senior games by the end of the 2008 season.
He thanked his coaches Jimmy Alger and Chris Clements, who were the first ones to give him a run in the Seniors.
Browne umpired in the Alberton Football Netball League until the league changes came about in 2017. Since then, he has umpired in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition, and occasionally helped with Wonthaggi and Leongatha matches.
Browne has umpired at least 30 games a season.
“I stepped back a little bit this year after my daughter was born,” he said.
“We usually double up on a few games by umpiring some junior games, though. Helping out in the juniors is beneficial because it’s an opportunity for the senior umpires to assist in the development of some of the younger ones.”
During his time as an umpire, he has noticed important cultural changes.
“I haven’t had many bad experiences, but the association has shown a lot of support in driving change for the way umpires are treated,” he said.
“The culture change is great because it results in the retention of young umpires. We’ve seen great growth in the association, which offers a great coaching group and program. The coaches are invested in the success of their umpires.”
Through the grassroots association, there are pathways into umpire selection for the VFL and AFL.
“We’ve had Harrison Bell selected for the VFL list. Talent gets identified, just like the players, and skills get developed through a program,” Browne said.
Browne said he will be back to continue umpiring in 2025.
“I’ve always had a passion for local footy. A big aspect to all this has been the friends I’ve made – I’ve made a lot of lifelong mates over the journey,” he said.
“I’m still on the (SGUA) committee, so I’ll definitely be back next season.”
Browne thanked his friends, family and the association for the support offered to him over the years.
He gave a special mention to his partner Caitlan, his daughter Maisie and his parents, who used to drive him to games during his younger years.
