There is a famous statement that – records are made to be broken – and this week, the AFL Sydney Umpires Group has a significant record that will be broken by field umpire Frank Kalayzich.
When officiating this week’s Premier Division Game between UTS and Sydney University at Trumper Park, Frank will surpass Mark Rendell’s record and become the field umpire who has officiated the most Senior Premier Division Games in the AFL Sydney Competition.
Frank began his umpiring journey in 1978 in the Manly-Warringah Junior Football competition and he has umpires every year since (excluding 2001) but it was in 1983 that he umpired his first senior game with has first First Grade Game in 1986.
The umpiring road has not always been easy and Frank almost gave up umpiring after only his first senior game, after he was threatened by a player who then put his hands around Frank’s neck in a choking action, all in response to decision made during the game.
If it wasn’t for the on-going support, encouragement and advice from others in the umpiring community, Frank may have pursued other sports, but he stuck with it and we are all pleased he did.
Frank’s career has included umpiring AFL under 19 games and VFL/AFL Reserves Games and he has umpired with some of our games most successful including John Russo and Hayden Kennedy as well as many other who have been and are currently on the AFL Umpires List including Troy Pannell and Ray Chamberlain.
The success that Frank has enjoyed has been hard fought and like most umpires Frank has enjoyed the support of a number people both from his family and the umpiring community.
Frank acknowledges a couple of key umpiring coaches for his longevity including David Levens who’s “insightfulness advice” Frank says “laid the foundations of the umpire he is today”.
Frank also acknowledges Mark Rendell as a significant source of encouragement, support and advice in addition to a number of coaches that he has had.
This wonderful milestone has been achieved in part by maintaining a level of commitment in many areas including fitness and in Frank’s words having a “belief the he is contributing to something that he loves”.
Mark Rendell takes this a step further by commenting that “in part, your participation is not at all surprising; you are a natural athlete of considerable endurance. Your umpiring has always been with respect, integrity and honesty. Players/umpires, past and present, officials and supporters of this great game admire and recommend your professionalism and endeavour”.
As well as being a stalwart of the umpiring community, Frank also works with others in the umpiring community and his advice to younger umpires is to “be true and committed to themselves and don’t take short-cuts”.
There have been a number of highlights in Frank’s career “too many to mention” Frank says but two stand out: his first senior game at Trumper Park and officiating his first Grand Final in 1987.
Frank has also officiated a number of games at the Sydney Cricket Ground and acknowledges this as his favourite ground.
The speed, complexity and rules of our great game have also changed over the years and Frank suggests the following changes have enhanced the Sydney competition: the change from a fifteen metre to a fifty metre penalty and the introduction of the three umpire system.
As Frank has contributed so much, over such an extended period to umpiring in the Sydney competition, it is impossible to note the achievements and list all the accolades. Perhaps the final word should go to Mark Rendell who says “you are a legend worthy of great praise and I congratulate your wonderful contributions”.
The AFL Sydney Umpire Group congratulates Frank on his wonderful achievement and wishes him well in his record breaking game and for many into the future.
