Croydon’s Neville Gardiner umpires his 800th game, Cheltenham v Bentleigh in the Southern Football League

NEVILLE Gardiner has stuck to a trusty formula during his remarkable umpiring career, which last week saw him rack up his 800th game.

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NEVILLE Gardiner has stuck to a trusty formula during his remarkable career.

The Croydon resident, 71, umpired his 800th Southern Football League match last round and says the “Six C’s” have been key to his longevity.

“Communication, control, consistency, courtesy, courage and confidence, if you follow them you can’t go wrong,’’ he said.

“Fitness, knowing the rules and communication are all important, of course. Consistency between the two umpires is important and that your interpretation is similar.

“You gain respect along the way if you know the rules and the players trust you to make the right decision.

“And the three P’s: be professional, punctual and polite.’’

Gardiner’s latest milestone, achieved in a reserves clash between Cheltenham and Bentleigh, was recognised accordingly.

He received a guard of honour, was acknowledged by both clubs and during a presentation at half time of the senior game.

He was presented with the match ball and a special engraved medallion by his fellow game day umpire Anthony Kelly, whom he mentored in recent years.

After 800 matches in charge, the game must go on!

Gardiner played nine seasons with Box Hill Baptist Pioneers, during which time the side netted four flags from five attempts.

He then decided to try his hand at officiating in 1970, aged 26.

“I was married in 1968 and the next year I was knocked out in the grand final. With a family coming along I thought it might be a good opportunity to take up umpiring,’’ he said.

“Raymond Kilner was a football umpire who worked part time at a milk bar on the corner of Toorak and Burke roads. I’d go down there and get the paper, some lollies and the milk and he kept hassling me about becoming an umpiring.

“February came around the next year and I went down to South Camberwell to do a bit of training, spoke to my wife and took up umpiring.’’

Gardiner has had his fair share of injuries along the way.

An achilles operation in 1999, a hip replacement three years ago and a pushbike accident early last year meant he did a handful of games last season after making a full recovery.

The camaraderie is what Gardiner enjoys most about his role.

“Probably the mateship among the umpires is the best part, we are a club as such,’’ he said.

“The people you meet, the players, officials it’s the people and the community, that’s what it’s all about. And being involved in sport of course.’’

Gardiner, who works at Victorian Teachers Mutual Bank has completed all 37 Melbourne Marathons.

He also has considered retirement and trading in the whistle for afternoons with wife Judith who has been a big support.

“I’ve thought about giving it away, it might be nicer to do other things of a Saturday,’’ he said.