Sixty and not out for passionate referee Ian Timms
Dedication and passion, these are the two things 84-year-old Peakhurst resident Ian Timms lives by as he heads into his sixtieth year of refereeing.
“I have stayed true to myself by sticking to a passion that has been refereeing.
“The moment you lose this you may as well stop.
“For me though, as years go by, I get hungrier and I have enjoyed many moments throughout my career as a referee having made a number of friends.”
Timms’ love for refereeing started in 1954 while playing outdoor football for his local church club until injury paved way to a new career.
“I was playing in a local Protestant Church competition with Lakemba and got injured.
“During my time off I took up the whistle and have been involved with it ever since.”
Timms went on to referee matches internationally as well as taking charge as one of the leading officials in the former NSW Federation of Soccer’s Second Division in the late 1950’s which to this day still holds fond memories.
“I will never forget the many matches I refereed where thousands of football fans flocked grounds such as Pratten Park to watch Pan-Hellenic or Concord Oval to watch S.S.C. Yugal play the wonderful game.
“It was a special time for football in Australia and I was lucky enough to have been part of it all.”
In his later stages of officiating, Timms called full time on his outdoor career which also saw him referee in the local St George Football Association and became a Futsal referee.
“I joined the sport when it first broke through and have seen it come through leaps and bounds.
“I shared a special moment refereeing the Australian Futsal side that took on one of the Russian states as well as Spain in an international tournament which was an unforgettable memory.”
With both knees slowly giving way, Timms has stated that he would call time on his refereeing career this year but those close to him know that this may not be the case.
The free spirited referee’s next assignment will be officiating in the up and coming Futsal Schools Championships in Penrith later this year and has selected refereeing the AWD category.
“Just to see the smiles on these kids’ faces is priceless for me and that’s what it’s all about.
“Enjoying yourself and seeing others enjoy it too.”
Asked whether he could give any tips to budding referees Timms replied.
“Don’t get a big head while refereeing and don’t be quick to send players off – Refereeing is all about communication.
“But above all, enjoy what you do and live for the moment.”
-By Mark Stavroulakis
