Name: Stephen Welsh
Nickname(s): Welshy, Hugo
Occupation: Learning facilitator
AFL Club Supported: Carlton
Umpiring Discipline: began as boundary, then to field after some ‘advice’ from Eric Rogers.
When Did You Start Umpiring: sometime in the early to mid-nineties?
What Made You Give Umpiring A Go: Moved to Newcastle and was keen to get an AFL team in the Primary School Sports Association. Getting into umpiring gave me an insight into the clubs and the players.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Umpiring: The lasting friendships. Best seat in the house. Running in the rain and mud. Yes, seriously.
Highlights Of Your Umpiring Career So Far: NCCUA Life Member, umpiring Geelong in an intraclub match, 2009 Ressies Grand Final – Singleton v Warners Bay - won by Singleton by a point after a free kick, long bomb goal after the siren. Some say the BEST GF EVER, Umpire Panel (reserve grade) of the Decade, umpiring the University Games was ‘interesting’, dual winner of the ‘GP’ Award and the footy trips away.
Best umpire you’ve umpired with: can’t remember his name but it was under a one umpire system…..ok….the best is hard. Seriously, everyone I umpired with was out there to do their best, their very best.
Funniest umpire you’ve run with: Every match had at least a handful of hilarious moments from the umps I ran with, from quick to dry wit to sarcasm to plain dumb to falling over, every match had its moments. If you didn’t go back into the shed and have a laugh at yourself or others, you weren’t out there.
Have You Umpired Previously Before Joining the NCCUA, If So Where: In the NAFL, before the merger.
Any Pre-Game Rituals / Superstitions: Getting to the ground on time with ALL my gear was a good start. Fill the trusty thunderer with water.
Favourite Music: Lily of Laguna - da da da dada, then anything that isn’t a victim of the >>l button.
Favourite Food / Drink: Kale, Asian and Italian. Coopers and a few craft beers.
Favourite TV Show / Movie: Whatever I saw the whole way through without stopping, walking out or changing channels.
Last Modified on 14/04/2016 12:48
