AFLUA LIFE MEMBER AND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT GRAEME PATTERSON RECEIVES AN OAM.

Graeme’s involvement in Umpiring has spanned 49 years and even today Graeme is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the next publication for the AFLUA, “The Man in White – Country Connections.”  Graeme was staggered when told of the award and in his true style wanted to chat about others when we rang to congratulate him. 

All current running umpires are touched by Graeme’s work, which formed the basis of the current Umpire Accreditation scheme.  Moreover, all field umpires who have progressed from the VFL will have been observed and mentored by Graeme in his role as a VFL Observer.

Graeme officiated as a field umpire for 18 years between 1962 – 1979.  Since his retirement he has served in off field roles for 31 years.  In some of these roles he would have received some form of remuneration for his services, however, his contribution consistently surpassed what would normally be expected of people in these positions. 

Graeme was a school teacher and University Lecturer by occupation.

Graeme we salute you and sincerely thank-you for a life time of dedication to Umpiring and more importantly to the young men and women who are umpires.

Graeme’s citation reads as follows;

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Graeme Gordon PATTERSON, For service to the Australian Football League as an umpire, administrator and historian.

Umpires' Observer, Australian Football League, 1990-1997. Umpires' Observer, Victorian Football League, since 2002; Umpires' Development Officer, 1982-1989; Umpires' Adviser, 1980-1981; Umpires' Training Supervisor, 1975-1976 and 1978-1979; Field Umpire, 1966-1979; Field Umpire, Reserve Grade, 1962-1965. Umpires' Adviser, Southern Football League, 2000-2001; Consultant, Futures Analysis and Strategic Planning, Umpire's Appointment Board, 2000-2001; Member, Independent Tribunal Panel, 1999. Consultant, Futures Analysis and Strategic Planning, Southern Umpires' Association, 1999; Director of Umpiring, 1998-1999.

President, Victorian Football League Umpires' Association (now the Australian Football League Umpires' Association), 1976; Immediate Past President, 1977; Vice-President, 1975; Junior Vice-President, 1974; Secretary, 1971-1973; Executive Committee Member, 1971-1978; Honorary Life Member, since 1974; Lifetime Achievement Award, 1977; Member, Social Committee, 1970.

Heritage Projects Officer, Australian Football League Umpires' Association, since 2005. Project Manager, Heritage Publication Project, since 2009. Convenor, Steering Committee and Author, The Man in White –Country Connections (in progress).

Manager, Oral History Projects, since 2005. Member, Hall of Fame Sub-Committee, since 2005. Co-Author, Centenary Publication The Man In White - The Official History of the AFL Umpires' Association, 2006-2009. Member, Publication Steering Committee, 2006-2009. Member, Events Committee, 2007-2009. Consultant, Futures Analysis and Strategic Planning, 1999.

Awards/recognition include: Inductee, Hall of Fame, Australian Football League Umpires' Association 2008; granted Legend Status, 2010.

Please stay tuned, as we will be interviewing Graeme and bringing that to you in the coming weeks.

Graeme will be presented to all members at the Awards Dinner being held in March.

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