South Gippsland Umpires Association members, the Carter family, officiate together

A family involved in the South Gippsland Umpires Association is helping to buck the trend of falling officiating numbers as they all took to the field together for the first time.

The Carter family is doing it differently in the world of country footy umpiring.

While the number of officials might be dwindling across the state, the Gippsland family is ensuring their local region is getting the best officiating possible.

On Saturday, Paul — a veteran of more than 550 games — took to the field for West Gippsland league clash between Warragul and Nar Nar Goon with his children Max, 13, and Lucy, 11.

Max joined his father as a field umpire while Lucy was taking part in her first senior game as a boundary umpire.

Supplied Editorial Paul Carter with his children Max and Lucy. They're part of the South Gippsland Umpires Association and are helping to buck the trend of falling participation rates. Photo: Supplied.

The younger of Paul’s two children had officiated a “couple of thirds games” before her big break.

“It was good fun and something I’ll remember for a long time,” he said.

“Lucy really enjoyed it and we didn’t have any dramas with either club — they were fantastic. Max has done about five field games done, a couple with more and some with other umpires, and is really growing in confidence.

“Lucy comes in from the boundary a little bit more than some of the other kids but it was good to see her out there.

“Seeing kids umpire games is one of the best parts of country footy.”

Paul started umpiring in the 1990s because he “wasn’t much of a footballer” and as he got older Max would come along to watch.

“I’d give him his $5 for the day and he would sit and watch the footy — he loved every minute of it,” Paul said.

“Then it came to the point where Lucy was coming along as well and wanted to give it a crack herself. Max referees basketball as well so I think it’s given him a good balance of officiating games.”

The umpires from Saturday's game. Photo: Facebook.

The family is part of the South Gippsland Umpires Association which services the West Gippsland competition.

They also take care of Leongatha and Wonthaggi home games in the Gippsland league.

This year, the organisation has record numbers including an increase in female participation.

“We had 63 umpires on the track the other week,” Paul said.

“I think it’s a very well run organisation because we’ve got a director and a coach for all areas — boundary, field and goal.

“The good participation numbers comes down to the clubs and leagues in the area supporting as well. They understand we’re going to make mistakes.

“Also having people move to the area has helped because they’ve been looking for a way to get involved in the local community.”