Richard began goal umpiring after volunteering for his sons U13’s team in 1996. He continued junior goal umpiring until 1998 when his sons gave up playing and he became the driver for their umpiring appointments.

In 1999 Richard attended goal umpire training with the Perth Football League on a Thursday night and was appointed to a C Grade game two days later.

In 2000 Richard was elected treasurer of the Umpires association, a role he held until 2019.

Over his time as an umpire he has been involved in the amalgamation with the Sunday Football League when the Western Australian Community Football Umpires Association was formed (WACFUA), umpired several Women’s Grand Finals, several lower grade grand finals, a State Game in 2002 and an A Reserve Grand Final which he umpired with his youngest son.

Richard’s umpiring tally sits at 668 games and he has also earnt accolades along the way such as the 2001 WAAFLUA Patrons Award, the 2012 WAFC Umpiring Appreciation Award and received life membership of the WACFUA in 2013.

Over the last 20 years Richard has also supplied and cooked many of the umpire post training BBQ’s and maintained the membership list and uniform management.

Richard wishes to thank coaches Nigel Tilley, Paul Smith, Terry Kenny and Terry Tomlinson along the way and wishes he has started umpiring earlier in what he regards as a very rewarding part of his life.