Sunbury Bowling Club’s Bob Carlson took up bowls umpiring initially to help improve his own game.
Already in love with bowls, which he has played for 28 years, Carlson soon fell into officiating the game.
“My participation in bowls has always been social,” he said.
“Initially, I wanted to get a better understanding of the laws, and that has opened up so many opportunities to become more involved in an official role.
“There’s been lots of travel, especially in the past two years.”
Since starting his umpiring in 2004, Carlson has travelled the world to umpire and is now a member of the Bowls Victoria laws and rules committee and chairman of the Northern Gateway regional umpiring committee.
Late last month, he was named ‘official of the year’ at the Bowls Australia awards night. He was nominated for the award by fellow Sunbury member Mark Cowan.
Carlson attended the awards night knowing he was one of the two finalists for the award.
“I’m very privileged and honoured to have won it,” he said.
He says the greatest thrill of his umpiring role is getting to see the world’s best bowlers in action.
“I’ve been to two Commonwealth Games and to world championships.
“You get to help players make decisions and it’s also about the opportunity to witness the highest level of participation.
“Bowls caters for all levels – social as you like or you can have a professional commitment.”
Carlson says he has no plans of stepping back from his involvement in bowls any time soon.
“I want to continue to operate at the highest level, which I believe I can do for a long time yet.”
There was no bowls at the weekend for Sunbury, with all competitions suspended because of the Victorian Open.
Reigning Victorian Open women’s champion Carla Odgers and her Sunbury teammate Elise Cowan are through to the last 16 of the women’s competition as is Kyneton’s Chloe Stewart.
Sunbury’s Damien Hoder is through to the final 32 of the men’s singles.
