Riddell Umpires - Latest News

Wishing Bill Well In Retirement

Details: Published on Tuesday, 15 July 2014 12:22

At the end of the 2013 season Bill Taylor announced to the group that he was calling a day on his 26 year umpiring career at the Riddell Umpires and moving home from Romsey to Echuca.

Bill started his umpiring career in the Essendon League and then joined the Riddell Umpires in 1988. He umpired a total of 816 games (240 Senior) which has him sitting in 9th position in total games at the Riddell Umpires.

Bill umpired the 1989 Division 2 Senior Grand Final in the goals and then followed it up umpiring the 1990 and 1991 Division 1 Grand Finals. Bill returned to the top when he umpired the 2002 Senior Grand Final. Bruce Pizaro a good friend, past coach and fellow umpire said that one of the great things about Bill was the respect he earned. He also remembers him as a great teacher of the goal umpiring craft.

The Riddell Umpires would like to wish Bill well in retirement. You have done yourself and the umpiring group proud.

Need A New Website - Think Blade Designs

Details: Published on Tuesday, 15 July 2014 10:24

In an effort to engage with a wider audience, the Riddell Umpires enlisted the services of Brendan Maurer from Blade Designs to create a new and vibrant website.

The end result is was what you see in front of you. This website is arguably the most professional and user friendly umpiring website in Victoria.

Number 2 On The Riddell Umpires Total Games List Brings Up Another Milestone

Details: Published on Thursday, 10 July 2014 00:44

When Ian Semmens walks out on the field for the senior match between Sunbury Kangaroos and Woodend this weekend it will be for yet another major milestone. This weekend Ian will become only the second umpire at the Riddell Umpires to reach 1100 games.

The Riddell Umpires congratulates Ian on this magnificent achievement and we hope that he has an excellent match on Saturday.

Sunbury Community Drug & Alcohol Forum

Details: Published on Thursday, 10 July 2014 10:22

Sunbury drug and alcohol forum flyer

The Riddell Umpires and the RDFNL wish to invite our members to support the Sunbury Police and the Community Consultative Committee's Drug and Alcohol Forum.

This forum aims to raise community awareness of drug and alcohol issues, highlighting support services available within the local community.

DATE:  Wednesday 30 July 2014
TIME:  7–9 pm
VENUE: Sunbury Memorial Hall, Stawell Street, Sunbury
COST:   FREE

Key note speakers include AFL premiership star Gavin Crosisca and Belinda Walsh, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Alcohol And Drug Help.

To register your interest contact Sunbury Community Health on 9744 4455 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 18th July 2014.

A Tale Of Two Semmo's

Details: Published on Tuesday, 08 July 2014 10:18

At the end of 2013, a rare milestone occured and it went largely unnoticed. When Robert Semmens took to the field for his junior grand final, he joined his brother Ian in the 1000 games club at the Riddell Umpires. The significance of this achievement is that Ian and Rob became the first twins to amass 1000 games each within an umpiring association in Victoria. At the start of 2014, Ian has umpired 1071 games (224 Senior) and Robert 1005 games (391 Senior).