Ron’s a breath of fresh air- His love of football keeps Ron Roberts, 75, returning to umpire e

By Bridget Brady
BAD umpiring during his own playing days inspired Ron Roberts to become one of the men in white.
Fifty years later, Mr Roberts, 75, is still kicking goals, or rather awarding them, as a goal umpire in the Ellinbank and District Football League.
Mr Roberts, who lives in Blue Hills Residences in Cranbourne East, finished his football career and started umpiring when he was about 26 and believes he has umpired more than 5000 games.
He only gave up the whistle for the white flags about five years ago.
And it wasn’t until after he started umpiring that Mr Roberts learned he was doing his asthma a favour, a condition he had since a child.
“I found out that a relief breathing mechanism for people who have asthma is blowing a whistle.”
Mr Roberts wanted to learn more about how he could improve his asthma and about 10 years ago he wrote a book about what he had discovered.
His book, called Asthma Controlled Naturally – Techniques that Work, has sold about 30,000 to 40,000 copies worldwide.
“To control asthma you need to be able to consistently breathe out,” he said.
“That’s my message in the book.
“A long breath is good for asthmatics.
“The moment you breathe out you go into relaxation mode. It is so simple.”
Mr Roberts has not had an asthma attack for 10 years. The football fanatic keeps fit for his umpiring duties, doing 20 minutes of exercise and a swim every day. He also bowls and plays tennis.
“They still say I’m mad. But I’m as fit as anyone else who’s doing it. You have to age positively.”
Mr Roberts said one of the greatest things about being an umpire was that he had the best seat in the house.
“We are 20 metres away from the play and fully involved in the decision making. Surprisingly, it is harmless. You get plenty of abuse, but I’ve never been man-handled.”
Throughout his long career, Mr Roberts has umpired in Ballarat, Mornington and West Gippsland football leagues.
“I love my football. Umpiring is very social.
“We are like a close-knit family.
“You have to be supportive of each other.”
He said the most memorable games were the ones that “blow up in your face”.
Similar to players, umpires strive to perform in a grand final, Mr Roberts said.
“That’s what we’re all aiming for.”
Mr Roberts said he would continue to umpire for at least five more years.
“I’ve got to reach that 80 milestone.”