Riverina Umpire Association’s Tim Beard will reach a special milestone on Saturday when he officiates his 450th first grade game.
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Beard will reach the mark when he takes control of the huge final round clash between Wagga Tigers and Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
Beard, 46, started out as an umpire at 17 and has only missed a few seasons in between as he prepares for game 450.
“It’s good fun,” Beard said.
“When you have been doing something as long as I have, if you weren’t enjoying it, you wouldn’t keep rolling up.
“I do it for the friendships and the challenges it presents. I enjoy watching the players.”
Beard will run out for his milestone appearance alongside Gene Hodgins and Luke Olsen.
The massive mark of 450 first grade games is not something Beard has thought too much about.
“I haven’t contemplated it too much. I haven’t focused on it a whole lot,” he said.
“It’s great to make another milestone. Doing it for such a long time, you’re always going to have milestones but I’ll focus on the game itself and am happy for the focus to be on the teams and players.
“It’s great to be involved in such an important game.”
Beard underwent his fourth knee operation last November, but still has no plans to slow down.
With the prospect of 500 first grade games approaching, Beard is keen to push on.
“As long as I stay fit and healthy,” he said.
“I’m one of those crazy people that love training, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy so barring a major hiccup, I probably will.”
Beard thanked his wife Nik, and sons Louis and Lachie for their support throughout the journey.
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