Tim Beard to umpire his 500th first grade game for Riverina Umpires Association

Beard will become the first Riverina Umpires Association (RUA) central umpire to officiate 500 first grade games when he takes charge of Wagga Tigers and Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes at Robertson Oval.

Not only will Beard create history in the Riverina but he joins only a select few across the country in achieving the special feat.

Beard, 50, concedes that hitting the milestone will be a special moment.

"It's been the motivation for a few years now," Beard said.

"It's hugely satisfying. I've really been enjoying the week. I don't think anybody goes out there for self promotion or to be made a fuss about, and I certainly don't do that, but it's been a little bit embarrassing. It's been great fun this week, just getting different messages and some phone calls from people that I haven't heard from or seen in some time that are obviously picking up that it's happening, that's been pleasing to see that.

"But personally it's really satisfying. It's a lot of time and effort, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, all those things. It's really good to tick this one off and put it under the belt and savour it.

"I'm really looking forward to the occasion."

A South Wagga-Tolland Dons junior footballer, Beard was drawn to umpiring through mates and the lure of some pocket money.

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He first took up umpiring in 1987 and officiated his maiden first grade game in the final round of 1988. It was the start of a remarkable career as Beard went on to umpire 14 Riverina League grand finals and seven Farrer League deciders.

"Junior days, I was the classic young guy that played rugby league on a Saturday and rules on a Sunday with my friends. At the time, I had some friends that were doing some umpiring and it seemed like a pretty good way to get some pocket money on the side so that's what initially drew me," Beard said.

"After that, it became pretty clearly evident to me that I wasn't going to progress anywhere far as a player but I was fortunate to be identified by some coaches at the time that steered me down the right path and it's been a great journey.

"I've had a long career here locally and apart from Perth and Darwin, I've umpired in every capital city across the country. You get to meet heaps and heaps of great people and I know it has its challenges you don't do anything for as long as this if you don't like it or love it.

"You've also got to have the support of your family and my family has been fantastic to allow me to go down this path and have this journey and sacrifice a lot of things for them."

Beard said umpiring the likes of retired VFL stars Terry Daniher and David Cloke were memorable occasions, while he named Robbie Harper as the best player he witnessed locally.

Gene Hodgins and Alex Manley will be alongside Beard for Saturday's special occasion, which also doubles as a night game that both clubs will use to pay tribute to ANZAC Day.

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