Q-T

Dudley Ridley

Dud Ridley was a long time umpire and dedicated Association contributor, he will be remembered for his support of up and coming umpires, his vast country league experience and his friendliness to all. Perhaps all this is best summed up by Ray Sleeth who noted, "All I can say is that he was a 'bloody good' bloke - period.

Dudley Lennard Ridley was born the eldest of three sons to Thomas and Laura Ridley on 29 November 1915 at Jeparit in Victoria's Wimmera region. His brother Ian would have a terrific playing career at Melbourne but it was in umpiring that Dudley would be involved in football.

After a stint in the AIF during 1940-41, he was discharged and returned to civilian life having recently married Katherina Haines. They would share their life together until her death in 1995.

Dudley joined the VFLUA in 1949 and so began seventeen years as a VFL field umpire. In this time he umpired in every major country competition to which the League sent umpires over an area that included all of Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales. He umpired numerous finals and Grand Finals but was not able to break into the 'big six' who umpired VFL Senior football. It was perhaps the legacy of a late start in umpiring as few who began at age 33 made the step to the VFL. Nevertheless his extensive career was recognised with the presentation of a VCFL Special Medallion upon his retirement.

According to VFLUA stalwart and Ridley's contemporary Jack Gray, such was Dudley's renown that he acquired the nickname 'King of the Bush' "One day", he recalls, "I was coming off the ground after a country seconds final and was pleasantly surprised to receive a round of applause from the crowd as I approached the gate. I was only when I was passing through the pickets that I realized they were clapping Dud as he took the field for the seniors!"

Through this time Dudley was always willing to share his vast experience with younger umpires. Life Member Ian Wallace recalls one of many instances. "I remember Dudley as strong and solid physically and a fine man. My most treasured recollection of him was after a 1964 trip to the Stawell ground in the Wimmera League when I umpired the Stawell v Rapunyup.

"As a young umpire I was sent to Stawell with VFL Coach Harry Clayton's words "Those of you going to the Wimmera this week all had a responsibility to the game to clean up the Wimmera League as it was getting out of hand. Well, fight they did and I reported all of them for it.

"On the late night train trip back to Melbourne Dudley found the time to break away from the senior umpires traditional drinking cabin and called me into a cabin on our own to discuss what had happened, what I had done and what I could have done better. He forecast the exact outcome of the proceedings to follow (press reports and six weeks of hearings and non-hearings best described as a circus) and gave me great advice that I was able to use throughout the remainder of my umpiring career and coaching years in Sydney and Queensland.

"I always appreciated his taking the time to give me good advice and support at a difficult time."

These qualities made Dudley an ideal candidate for a position as umpires advisor and in 1970 Dudley was appointed advisor to the East Suburban Churches Football League. In that year he made a great impression upon first year umpire Peter Alexander.

"I was playing with Emmanuel and running the boundary Dudley encouraged me to take up the whistle and he was terrific. To play games under him, as I did, and then learn from him, was a great education in football. In those days he was in his 50's, yet he was always one of the first on the track and the last to leave, running all the time. He made us very fit and taught us the rules and how to interpret them. I will never forget his approach to people and the game and what he taught us then has stood me is stead through my life, to be Fair, Firm and Consistent. I know he did the same for all he came in contact with."

"Dudley was always immaculate in his dress, disposition and manner. Even when he was giving a dressing down on what he observed he gave it in such a way that one could never be offended, it was a learning time."

In his fifth year on the list Dudley become involved with the VFL Umpires Association. Taking a position on the Executive Committee in 1953, he served for two more years in that role. He was elected Junior Vice-President in 1956 and, under the constitution at the time, automatically became President two years later after having served as Senior Vice-President in the interim. He received Life Membership of the VFLUA 1959 having served ten years but was clearly a candidate for Honorary Life Membership given his committed service. He retired from the VFL at the conclusion of the 1965 season but continued his connection with the VFLUA by regularly providing the presentation President's gavel well into the 1970s.

Also in the 1960s he was a trainer at the now long defunct Yarraville training track. Bill Deller recalls, "He would cut quite a figure arriving on his push bike with his Gladstone bag across the handlebars."

Dudley Ridley passed away on 10 April 2005 at Bindaree Retirement Centre, Mansfield aged 89. One of nature's and umpiring's gentlemen.

Frank Schwab

Frank Schwab was a highly successful VFL umpire on the field and, off the field, was extremely popular and held in the highest esteem throughout the football fraternity – a thorough gentleman to all who knew him.

There was no better indication of that esteem than his colleagues' response when, in 1963, he was stricken with an umpiring career ending illness. Schwab was appointed to the North Melbourne versus Fitzroy match scheduled for 10 June. Early that morning, he complained of a bad headache and later collapsed while cleaning his car. He was raced to hospital and a brain hemorrhage was diagnosed.

Initially, things looked very grim with Frank being placed in an oxygen tent. But, after a day or so, he rallied and the worst passed. Immediately his fellow umpires learned of the illness, they rallied around Frank and his family. They arranged to transport Frank's wife, Jean, so she could visit the hospital and, noting his recovery would take some time, voted to pay his annual Association subscription through the Association Welfare Fund. Further, as a result of the long recuperation period, Frank's employers ceased paying his salary -- and so the Umpires Association organised a series of benefit events as part of a general appeal to raise funds to see the Schwabs through.

Following theatre nights, donations from other umpiring groups and various fund raising activities, the significant sum of nineteen hundred pounds was eventually presented to the Schwab family.

Only a man who commanded the highest respect of family his colleagues would evoke such response in times of ill fortune. Football was always in Frank's blood. After leaving Camberwell High School, he ran the boundary for a year with the VFL before playing for Camberwell in the Victorian Football Association.

When Frank came back to the VFL as a field umpire in 1955, his talent was obvious and his rise to senior VFL football was swift. He debuted in the VFL in round 14 1956 at Windy Hill when the Bombers faced North Melbourne. His second game was a sensational draw between Hawthorn and South Melbourne and his fourth saw him booed from the field at Kardinia Park following the Cats' first loss at home in 22 matches. Hostile crowd reaction to umpires' decisions, such as the booing at Geelong, are not uncommon in VFL/AFL history, but Schwab certainly endured more than his fair share in the early stages of his career.

For, in the following year (1957), Frank incurred the supporters' wrath again, this time at the hands of the Essendon faithful, following what they considered 'daylight robbery' as a result of his final decision of the day on 27 July.

With seconds remaining, Melbourne trailed Essendon by five points and the ball was on the Demons' half forward line. Bomber rover, Stan Booth, kicked the ball over the boundary line when tackled by Ron Barassi. Schwab decided that the act was deliberate and awarded the free kick to Demon forward Athol Webb, who coolly converted from a difficult angle to snatch an unlikely victory.

Schwab made the decision quickly and was correct, but the Essendon crowd noted that Melbourne coach Norm Smith, who was seated on the boundary line near to the incident, had sprung from the bench appealing for the free. Feeling cheated, they focused their displeasure on the umpires as they left the field in a demonstration of an intensity not seen for many years.

'The Sun News Pictorial' noted on its front page the next day:

Police had to protect field umpire Frank Schwab from the big crowd of violently hostile Essendon supporters. A bottle narrowly missed Schwab as police hustled him through the surging crowd on the ground. Police had to push several men away. Mud and rubbish of all kinds were pelted at the umpires. Some of the mud struck Schwab. A crowd of about 2000 remained tightly packed around the wire race through which the umpires passed into their dressing room for about 20 minutes after the match. They chanted, "We want Schwab", and counted him out between bursts of groaning and hooting. Five policemen escorted Schwab through the back door to his car that had been driven by a friend to a small gate behind the main grand stand. The press clearly indicated Schwab's decision was correct and the Umpires' Appointment Board showed their approval by appointing him to all the remaining rounds and the 1957 Night Grand Final between South Melbourne and Geelong.

Despite excellent performances, Schwab was unable to break into the finals panels that were dominated by Allan Nash and Bill Barbour until 1960. That year, he was appointed to the Second Semi Final. It was an indicator of the great year to follow. After an outstanding home and away season in 1961, Schwab umpired the First Semi Final, which saw Footscray defeat St.Kilda by nine points and, two weeks later, the Preliminary Final between Footscray and Melbourne. On Grand Final Day, Frank and Jack Irving were in line for the big job and it was Schwab that got the nod from the Board. As the day unfolded, Hawthorn won its first flag at the cost of the Bulldogs - - and Schwab umpired well, remaining unnoticed on his biggest day.

Success continued in Frank's final full season of umpiring (1962). He was appointed to the interstate match in Perth between Western Australia and South Australia and, at season's end, was voted as the Sporting Globe's umpire of the year. Once again, he umpired the First Semi Final -- and this one was a heart-stopper, with Carlton mounting an outstanding comeback to pip Melbourne by two points. A critical decision by Frank during the last minute of play once again enveloped him in controversy.

Melbourne star, Geoff Tunbridge, spilled a sitter mark on the half forward line and was crashed by Carlton's Graeme Anderson. Demon forward Laurie Mithen grabbed the loose ball and goaled, which would have put Melbourne in front. But, Frank blew his whistle for what most critics termed "a puzzling ball-up decision -- it should have been playon or a free kick to Tunbridge", and the Demon goal was disallowed. The siren sounded seconds later.

Needless to say, the decision was discussed for days afterwards. Frank also umpired the Preliminary Final in 1962 -- and the result was even closer than the First Semi. When the final siren sounded, Carlton and Geelong were level at 85 points apiece – at that time, only the third finals draw in history. Schwab's 128th and final VFL match was the week prior to his hemorrhage when Collingwood and Essendon clashed at Victoria Park. VFL Grand Final umpire and long time VFL Umpires' Coach, Allan Nash, was a contemporary of Schwab's and recalls, "Frank was a lovely, well liked man. Without a doubt, he never had an enemy. He was a good umpire and a nice young bloke. He was a masculine umpire -- he wasn't fat and he wasn't thin...he had a good build".

Despite not returning to VFL umpiring after his recovery, Schwab was not lost to football. A regular in the Hawthorn rooms, he was a great supporter of his son Peter's footballing endeavours. After a great playing career, Peter (current Hawthorn coach) continued the Schwab connection with umpiring, being appointed AFL Director of Umpiring.

Frank's brother, the late Alan Schwab, also had a strong association and affinity with the men in white. During his time as AFL Commissioner, relations between the Umpires' Association and the League were at an all time high, due in no small part to Alan's understanding of umpiring, courtesy of his brother.

Frank was also a regular attendee at the Grand Final Umpires' Club Dinners. He became a Life Member of the AFLUA in 1966.

Frank Schwab passed away on 29 January 2004 at Box Hill Hospital after a brief illness, aged 71.

Bryan Sheehan

Bryan Sheehan – Final siren

Bryan Sheehan with Corin Rowe

Making the decision to retire is perhaps the hardest decision an elite athlete will ever have to make. In this edited interview, Bryan Sheehan shares his thoughts on the decision to retire after a 363 game career, including 37 finals and six grand finals.

Bryan, you umpired your last game of AFL football on Sunday (Richmond v Hawthorn, MCG). What were your emotions as you walked out onto the ground?

Strangely enough, I was pretty cool and calm about the game on Sunday. Probably Mandy was more stressed than I was. I think I was probably like that because I wasn't sure it was the end as nothing had been said in terms of what was going to happen after this weekend and finals. So I didn't really know if this was it. Maybe if I had known that it was definitely my last game, my emotions may have been different. I didn't really approach it like it was my last game, so that is why I was probably so calm. But I certainly took in the atmosphere on the day and you tend to reflect on your career and the big games you were involved in. I also tend to be a pretty calm person anyway and don't get too worked up about games.

Umpiring is such a big part of your life and in many ways is part of your identity. How do you think you will cope with the transition?

Certainly, I'm not going to be stressed on Monday's that's for sure! (laughs) I think it will be nice not going home on Fridays and having to catch a cab or a flight interstate or worry about a game coming up on Saturday or Sunday. I think it will be nice just getting the weekends back. I don't know how to describe it. It's a strange feeling. I feel happy that it's all over and that I'm going to move into another phase of my life and it probably won't be until footy begins to approach next year and the alarm bells start to ring and say, "hey, Bryan, you're not going to be there anymore." That is when it will start to hit home. And I guess if I'm walking around at home feeling bored, that is when I'll start thinking about footy again.

Was the decision to retire a spontaneous decision or one which took time to make?

I think what happens is - and this was the case in my circumstance - sometimes it's expected of you. In the last two or three years I started thinking about retirement because I thought it was expected that I would retire. Look, at the end of the day we all have our use by date and at some point in our career we have to retire, whether it is now or in 5 years time or ten years time. But certainly in the last couple of years, I felt there was an expectation that Bryan will just go and retire.

I'm not saying that I was forced out in any way, but maybe it was just my feeling that you've had your 18 years, you've had your time, you've had a great career, it's time to move on. The other side of that is obviously the physical side. The last 3 or 4 years have been difficult having to work hard to get to a certain level of fitness and then maintaining it and the last couple of years have been extremely disappointing.

Of all the moments in my career last year was the most disappointing in terms of injury. I'd made the finals panel and because of an injury was unable to umpire and low and behold, the same thing happens this year. My body is just saying, "Bryan, you just can't maintain this level any more", and when you set such a high level of performance - even though you're young in the mind - it's time to give it away.

Given that, do you think that pride plays a part in making the decision to retire?

I've said quite openly to a number of people that I didn't want to be a liability to the group and if you can't perform and meet your expectations, which in my case are pretty high, then you start to question your own ability as to whether or not you are adding value to the group. That's when your pride kicks in and says, "Look, Bryan, you just can't keep going on like this", and your career falls away and people tend to remember what you did in the last couple of years and not the great things you did in your career.

Often we see elite athletes struggle with retirement because they haven't managed to balance the other spheres in their life. Are you confident that you've got the balance right?

I think so. I've got a pretty successful job at work and my family is living comfortably. As with anybody who has 80 or 90 thousand dollars taken out of their annual earnings, you have to change your lifestyle to suit, but we won't struggle. We've set ourselves up and so the decision is right at this time in terms of finances. I think you learn to live with what you've got and live within your means and to cope with it. The fact that in the last 12 months I've known I was going to retire means that you can put things in place so that when the time comes it is not so much of a shock and you don't have to make radical changes to your lifestyle. Even sitting down with the kids and talking to them about the fact we're not going to have 'x' amount of money anymore and we may have to cut back in certain areas. They get used to that thinking as well, rather than - bang! All of sudden you can't have this and you can't have that.

And while there may be financial consequences associated with retirement, are there positive spin-offs as well, such as being able to spend more time with your family?

I remember Bill Deller saying once that his son Gavin had turned 15 and he felt he had missed out on most of his childhood. I was very conscious when my kids were young to spend as much time with them as possible, whether that was watching Matt play football or Jessica play netball, or even at school. I know that I could have spent more time with them, but I couldn't. It's a case now of trying to repay them by giving them quality time. They're the sought of kids who want you to be around and to be proud of what they're doing. I'm looking forward to that and getting closer to the family again.

Umpiring has given you a lot of fulfillment over the last 20 years. Where do you think that fulfillment will come from now?

That's a good question because I was actually thinking the other day about what I can do with my life now and what goals I need to re-establish for myself. They could be sporting goals or something else, but I'm sure they'll be something that I want to attain, whether it is sport, or business or family. I'm sure I'll be the sort of person that will set something and than work hard to attain it. That's just the way I've been throughout my career, whether it was umpiring or athletics or business. I like the challenges that life throws at you and so with that perspective I'll go looking for challenges. What that will be I have no idea, but you never know what's around the corner.

Greg Chappell was lucky enough to make 182 in his final test appearance while many other athletes finish their careers struggling, dropped or injured. Given that you very nearly finished your career with an injury, how important was it that you went out a running umpire?

Yes, absolutely. You have to have some closure to your career and I guess reflecting on an earlier question, I wasn't sure that it was my final game. Now that I know that last Sunday was the final game, it's somewhat disappointing, but I'm happy that I could run the game out and walk off the ground. There are many great things that happened on the day. The recognition from Danny Frawley and Schwabby before and after the game and even the trainers out on the ground when they were giving me water. They were all very complimentary. I had a sense that most people were very respectful and that feeling of respect has given me closure

And I was able to go out on a high, albeit not the ultimate one getting a final or grand final, but that wasn't necessarily uppermost in my mind. It was important that I finished a running umpire and got through the game.

You've had the benefit of being able to retire more or less on your own terms. Many umpires don't get that luxury because often the decision is made for them. How do you think you would have coped in those circumstances?

It would be very, very difficult and it is hard to answer that. It's easy for me to sit back given that I could retire when I wanted to rather than being forced out. It is a very hard pill to swallow, but I guess that as umpires you are brought up having to look at that man in the mirror and realise perhaps I'm not as good as I think I am. It could be just a case that the list has to be turned over to give others an opportunity, but you would think that the person has had a reasonable opportunity. Over the years, most guys have taken it pretty well and I think after they retire they realise that there are a lot of other things in life other than umpiring. Sometimes we place too much emphasis on it, but there are other things in your life and there comes a time when you have to move on, give it away and move onto another phase of your life.

You've mentioned before that you have used a variety of resources to plan for your retirement. What are some of the tools that you have used?

I've spoken to other umpires. I've spoken to other people who have retired from sport to understand how they approached it and what their feelings were. I've spoken to PC, Mitch and Dolly and while they've all offered different reasons and opinions, talking to them made you feel less isolated knowing that others had gone through the same thing and coped. You've got to be happy and contented that it's the right time for you, because ultimately you'll be the most affected by it. I guess you should talk to friends, relatives, close family and associates. I've also read books to gauge different ways of approaching retirement, but no one has the right answers or a golden rule to follow. You just have to go with your gut feeling and after all, that is what umpiring is all about.

And finally, Bryan, what about your plans for the future? I get the feeling that you don't want to be lost to the game, so have you given much thought about your long-term plans?

I've certainly been thinking about it. I guess I'm sitting back and waiting for things to develop. I think you also need to get out there and sell yourself a little bit as well and let those in the know that you're interested in coaching or administration. At this point in time it is difficult because I feel I need a break from the game after 20 years of umpiring. What will happen when a situation comes up, I guess I'll just assess it at the time. I certainly haven't been offered anything at this stage or whether or not opportunities are even available. I'll be involved at some point, in some way down the track.

Stan Tomlins

Stanley Crawford George Tomlins was born in Footscray on 22 November 1923. He came to umpiring after a very successful career as a senior player in the Victorian Football Association and an injury shortened stint in the Victorian Football League.

His early football years were spent in the Shepparton region but he moved to Melbourne in 1940 where he lived in Malvern and played with the Spring Road Methodists aged 16.

Despite his enlistment in 1943 as a signalman in the Australian Army, he played football for Hampton Amateurs and practiced with Richmond before being recruited to Sandringham in 1946. After kicking nine goals in one reserves game in 1946, Stan became part of a successful senior Zebra team rebuilding after the war. In 1947 Sandringham won 15 of their 22 encounters and finished the home and away season in third position. After winning both the firstsemi and preliminary finals they failed by 31 points to overcome Port Melbourne in the grand final. Playing the year at centre half-back in every game (with occasional forays to the half-forward line), Stan became the first Sandringham player to win the J.J. Liston trophy, the VFA's award for the best and fairest in the competition.

Writing in the Sporting Globe, Jim Blake noted, "a perusal of the votes cast by the umpires shows that Stan polled his best tallies in the vital games where it was necessary for one man to swing the game. He is at his best when the Zebras are up against it."

In 1948 he crossed to Richmond, without a clearance, and played twelve senior matches and kicked twenty-three goals before a serious shoulder injury ended his playing career. According to Rhett Bartlett, Richmond historian, "He will be remembered for his tremendous long kicks, but to Richmond Museum curator Ron Reiffel, he was more famous for his constant battle with collarbone injuries . It seems that Tomlins was always in the hands of trainers, trying to fix his collarbone."

Turning to umpiring later in life than most, he joined the VFLUA in 1959 aged 35 and, although never achieving VFL senior level, he was a highly respected and revered umpire throughout country Victoria until his retirement in 1971. Known by his nickname, 'Comfy', as a result of a relaxed attitude and penchant for wearing slippers on the trains to his country appointments, he officiated at numerous country finals and Grand Finals. He was often regarded as the elder statesman on trips away given that he took up umpiring .

Not content to simply train and umpire, Stan took on a number of roles with the VFLUA.

From 1963 to 1967 he was Social Committee member under Social Secretaries Pat McGough and Brian Pratt.

Brian recalls, "He was good worker on the committees and, given the number of social events the Association held and the number who attended, it was just as well because there was a lot of work to do."

In 1968 he moved to the Executive Committee for a single season before taking on the role of Social Secretary in 1969 and 1970. With his committee, he organised a wide variety of events including dances, films and a night at 'TV Ringside. No small feat given that VFLUA balls attracted in excess of 1200 people in those years. Stan gave up the position after two years because the increased frequency of interstate travel with work would not allow him to devote as much time to Association social affairs. His successful tenure was recognised by a Special Award in 1971, which was also his final year as an umpire with the VFL.

After umpiring Stan continued sporting activities. In particular he was a member of the Patterson River Country Club for many years. He had joined with both regular playing partner and former VFLUA Secretary Mark Turner, and Jeff Crouch.

Made an Honorary Life Member of the VFLUA in 1967, Stan typified the motto of the VFLUA 'virtue and constancy' both on the field and through his service to fellow members.

Stanley Tomlins passed away after a short illness on 25 June 2004, aged 80. He is survived by his wife Dawn, daughters Christine and Lorraine, grand children and great-grandchildren. Vale Stan Tomlins, servant of umpiring.

Acknowlegements to:
Rhett Bartlett - http://www.rhettrospective.com
Unofficial Sandringham Football Club Web site

Reg Treloar

It is possible that Reginald Treloar umpired up to 34 VFL matches as a boundary umpire and it is possible that two of those were Grand Finals in 1914 and 1920. Unfortunately records currently available do not differentiate between Reg and Earnest who was on the VFL at the same time. The only time it is possible to know for sure is in the period October 1916 to June 1919 when Reg was a member of the First AIF and serving in France during the Great War.

Treloar's career as a goal umpire is much clearer. He debuted in round three 1927, a two point thriller at Arden Street and began what would be a record setting run of finals appointments that same year. His first two finals were both Second Semis in 1927 and 1928 and both featured Collingwood who dominated the competition. The following year Treloar was appointed to his first of eight Grand Finals. As the 'Pies completed their hatrick of premierships.

Two more seasons passed before another Grand Final – 1933 Richmond v. Carlton - and a further two before Treloar was appointed to both the 1935 and 1936 premiership deciders. It was during the 1935 season that Treloar was one of the goal umpires at a game that was halted by an invasion of small boys.

In a marketing ploy a miniature balloon was sent across the ground during the third quarter and showered the ground with small parachutes and papers. Police chased the boys all over the ground much to the crowds delight.

Even though he had umpired four Grand Finals, Treloar's most successful period was still to come. From 1938-1941 he umpired a VFLhigh 66 matches but most impressively he officiated in Grand Finals in each of those four seasons. The 1939 Grand Final saw Treloar a player in the sensation of the finals series. During the second quarter field umpire Alan Coward collided with a player and hit the ground, dislocating his shoulder. Blackburn took over from him, and immediately asserted his presence. While Coward was down, Wartman of Melbourne steamed and kicked a goal over Treloar's head. He looked for the all-clear, but replacement umpire Bill Blackburn, to the hoots of derision from Melbourne supporters, did not give it deciding he had not seen the relevant part of the play.

Treloar retired at the end of the 1942 season. He was elected a life member of the VFLUA in 1938 and was a member of the AFLUA Team of the Century.