It is one of the great strengths of the umpiring experience that it develops skills or extends already existing talent in a wide range of areas: people management, decision-making and confidence to name but a few. Len Williams learned much through his umpiring career that he was able to put into practice both during and following his time with the Victorian Football League, experience for which he was always grateful.
He recalled, “I am certain that the involuntary training, that I experienced on the field, where you stand alone and implement instant make or break decisions, was of immense benefit to me in my subsequent years as a general Manager in the transport industry, and ultimately in share broking. Without doubt my VCFL umpiring, taught me to back my judgement and act courageously without fear or favour, and these characteristics stood me in good stead throughout my professional life.
Born Leonard Stuart Williams in Richmond on 25 July 1937, Len came to umpiring early. He was 19 years old when he took up the boundary with the VFL Second Eighteens competition in 1955. With university as a priority, he left umpiring after 1956. After completing tertiary studies, and at the encouragement of colleague and umpire, Ian Wallace, Len returned to now VFL Reserve Grade for seasons 1962 to 1964 as a field umpire. In 1965 he joined the VFL senior list in that capacity and began the usual Victorian Country Football League circuit.
Promoted to Olympic Park Group for 4 months in 1966 his first VCFL final was the following season with the Southern Mallee first semi-final at Hopetoun. His deepest rip into the finals was the 1969 Tallangatta and District Preliminary final at Lavington.
That year was also significant as he was elected Assistant Secretary of the association, a post he would hold for four seasons supporting first Mark Turner and, later, Graeme Patterson. Turner noted in the 1969 annual report “Len’s attentiveness at meetings, presentation of minutes and innovative thinking were invaluable.” Similarly, Patterson noted that Len’s minute-taking resulted in ‘masterpieces’, high praise from one as diligent and precise as Patto. In this role there were also lessons to be used in business.
The result of this work was that after eight years on the list and four years on the Executive Committee Len was nominated for honorary life membership. The nomination was narrowly defeated.
Unfortunately, Len would not have the opportunity to complete the ten years of service for automatic life membership. At the end of 1972 he was forced to step down due to a lower-leg injury.
Over eight years on the senior list he compiled a record of 131 VCFL (7 finals) and 2 Metropolitan matches.
He returned to the VFL Reserve Grade for 1973-1974 as a goal umpire before retiring from umpiring to focus on business.
Len’s life is best described by his life-long friend, Ian Wallace, who recalls, “I have continually been astounded by Len’s ability and willingness to undertake support for a wide range of social problems while creating a successful professional business career for himself and his family.
“His honesty to call things as he saw them, his commitment to getting the job done successfully and his never-ending passion and enthusiasm for every task were his ‘trademarks.’ He bought all of these traits to umpiring and to the VFLUA Executive.”
Len Williams passed away peacefully at Frankston Hospital on 10 September 2024. In his own words “My umpiring years were a period of immense personal satisfaction and are a period that I look back on with immense pride.”
Vale Len, you will be sorely missed by those that have been fortunate enough to have crossed your path in life.