By Luke D'Anello
Rodd Johnson recently retired from the workforce.
But the 65-year-old Southern Football Netball League umpire is not planning on putting his whistle away any time soon.
The veteran field umpire officiated game 400 on Saturday in the division two seniors clash between Doveton and Caulfield.
Johnson said umpiring games alongside his wife Kaye and daughter Tiernyn had been among the highlights of his career in white, adding he will keep going "as long as the legs keep up".
"That's what's kept me going. To get the family involved is good fun," he said.
"I actually enjoy it these days. I've just retired, so I can really focus on what I like to do now besides work.
"The highest I've got is div two seniors grand final, which I really enjoyed.
"I like umpiring with my wife and daughter. It's actually fun and we enjoy it together."
Johnson said a desire to keep fit and his love for local football was behind his longtime involvement.
He has umpired in the Southern league for more than 20 seasons and he first took up officiating around 50 years ago when he was in high school.
Johnson was also secretary of the Southern Umpires Association for nine years.
"I admire local football and local football teams that have got to put a lot of effort into putting teams out every Saturday or Sunday and the finances involved, the volunteers that are needed," he said.
"I've always enjoyed Southern. We've always been supported by the CEOs of the league who I've dealt with. They've always been very supportive of us, which helps retain the umpires and makes us feel valued.
"Without their support, we flounder."
Johnson said he enjoyed playing a role in developing up-and-coming umpires.
"That's primarily my role now. I usually do div one reserves with the junior ones and mentor and coach them along. I like that aspect of what I do," he said.
"I think it's a bit of a waste if you do 20 years and you can't give back something to the junior ones because we need them to replace the blokes like me."
