WITHOUT umpires, we don’t have games of football every weekend and tomorrow is no exception as four local umpires were selected to officiate the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) interleague matches against Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) at Reid Oval.

Caleb Millard (field umpire) was selected for the Under-23 game for the second year in a row, while Colin Millard (goal umpire) for the Under-17 men’s match, as well as Bec Malseed (field umpire) and Olivia Bell (boundary umpire) for the Under-18 women’s clash.

All four members of the Western District Umpires Association (WDUA) ply their trade in the local leagues each Saturday.

Caleb Millard is one of the most highly rated and well-renowned umpires in the area, the 25-year-old displays experience beyond his years.

He notched up game 400 this time last year in the corresponding fixture and will again step on the field to umpire the major game between HFNL and BFNL.

Millard had a great opportunity to wear a microphone while umpiring last year and was excited to officiate the twilight game today.

“It’s pretty awesome to get selected again, it shows reward for your performances during the year, and it feels like a mini grand final for us,” he said.

“You’ve got the best seat in the whole house and the big calls, to be able to control and watch the best players in the region is pretty special.”

The match will be recorded, and Millard is hoping to draw the eyes of some of the higher ups with aspirations of taking his umpiring further in future years.

Malseed was also in the headlines this time last year as she etched her name into the local history books as the first female field umpire to officiate at senior level for the WDUA.

She has continued to go from strength to strength and was excited about inspiring other women to get involved.

“It’s a great achievement to be selected and represent the WDUA and female officials, what is really exciting and I’m proud to see is the majority of umpires doing the Under-18 women’s game,” she said.

“I would like it to be a symbol of inspiration for females in the whole district … it’s lovely to be amongst such highly talented girls.”

Olivia Bell is also a returning selection after gaining some experience last year as a boundary umpire and said she will be more relaxed this time around.

“It’s another chance to show the skills that I’ve developed over the seasons I’ve been umpiring … I’m going to be a lot calmer this time,” the 15-year-old said.

“Umpiring is something that I just sort of picked up and now it’s my fourth season, you learn quickly from your mistakes.”

Having only umpired for a few years, it will be the first time that Colin Millard waves the flags for the interleague game, an opportunity he was grateful for.

“It’s great recognition to get the opportunity to represent the league and our association, you’re going to see the best of the best including umpires and its good exposure,” he said.

“I like to think I’m improving … I enjoy what I do and its very special to umpire with my son Caleb.”

The WDUA is still in need of more umpires, and they encourage anybody interested to get in touch.