The former RAAF electronics engineer and now wool classer has been referring both senior and junior league games in the Dungog, Maitland and Newcastle areas for over 25 years.

And while he doesn’t ref senior league games anymore, he still runs the line in the local competition.

It is this dedication to the sport that has seen him made a life member of the Maitland Referees Association.

“I’ve been involved in league all my life so I suppose it (referring) was the next step,” Vince said.

“I was watching one of my sons playing in a league game in 1985 and the referee was so bad, so I thought I should put my hand up rather than be quick to judge.”

Woodman, who followed in his father’s steps as a wool classer, moved around a fair bit during his childhood, playing league with Murrurundi and Quirindi before moving to Cooks Hill and then Raymond Terrace in his high school years.

“When I finished my HSC at Raymond Terrace High School I went to play for the under 18s at Western Suburbs in Newcastle and then moved up to third grade.

“I then moved to Lemon Tree Passage and played for Nelson Bay all-age before moving to Dungog in 1982.

“My two sons Evan and Jason went to school here and I coached the under 11s side.

“Scott Fisher, who was in that team, is now playing in the all-age side.”

Vince took on the role of president of the Dungog schoolboys organisation in 1982 while wife Judy was treasurer.

And if he wasn’t busy enough with league, Vince was also a cricket umpire in the Newcastle district competition for seven years.

“Cricket was Dad’s passion so I suppose I got my interest from there,” he said.

“There is an oval at Lemon Tree Passage called the Vince Woodman Oval.

“People joke about it being named after me, but it was in memory of my father who helped to build it.

“But the best part of any sport is the kids – it’s good to see them getting outside and doing something.

“I will keep referring the junior kids until they throw me out.

“Hopefully I’ve another five years in me.”