Name Category Dates Occupation References Henry Carter Field Born 1869
at Ballarat East
Died 20/12/1939
at Prahran, aged 70Fitter/Iron Dresser
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Herald 12th June 1903 H Carter Field umpiring matches in Western Australian Association this season Herald 20th April 1928 13 H Carter, former VFA & VFL Field umpire, has returned to Melbourne after living in Western Australia 24 years. In 1890, H Carter played for the Essendon Football Club's second 20 in VFA. In 1892, he had a run in the Essendon's first 20. They played 20 a side before the VFL was formed. Henry Crapp Field Born 08/11/1872
at Carlton
Died 20/01/1924
at West Perth (WA), aged 51Tinsmith
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Sportsman 28th June 1898 H Crapp has his foot accidentally stepped on by a Carlton player & swells up which he is unable to umpire for 3 weeks - Carl v St K match at Princes Park Sporting Judge 8th July 1898 H Crapp umpires Vic v Sth Aust match at MCG Sportsman 12th July 1898 The first player under the VFL rules who has been called up for a reprimand was W Matthews (St Kilda), who had been found guilty of using bad language towards H Crapp during Carl v St Kilda match at Princes Park Herald 5th Aug 1898 H Crapp umpires match at Clementson near Allendale, South Australia (6th August) Herald 8th Sept 1899 H Crapp umpires South Australian Grand Final in Adelaide - South Australia v Norwood Sporting Judge 6th Oct 1900 H Crapp receives a complimentary letter & a bonus 2 Guineas from VFL, for his efforts in the two Finals Sporting Judge 29th June 1901 H Crapp is sick with Pleurisy & has to withdrawal his appointment in Ballarat. (Ballarat v VFL) Sporting Judge 28th Sept 1901 H Crapp receives Honorarium 2/2 from VFL for his efforts in Finals Herald 18th July 1902 H Crapp had to cancel his Country appointment at Mooroopna as he was summoned to act as a Juror for the Crown Leader 6th Sept 1902 H Crapp & J Waters umpired Frederick McGinis Benefit match at MCG on 4th September. (Former Melbourne player Frederick McGinis is losing his eye sight & is unable to play again) Waters umpired the first half & Crapp second half Sporting Judge 9th May 1903 H Crapp has been selected by Bendigo Football Association to officiate their matches this season Herald 22nd May 1903 H Crapp has been appointed to Field umpire the first ever match for Premiership points outside Victoria. Fitz v Coll in Sydney on 23rd May. He will be paid a match fee of L10 Sportsman 28th July 1903 H Crapp umpires Sth Aust v Vic match in Adelaide Herald 4th Sept 1903 South Australian team is going to visit Western Australia to play 2 matches on 19th & 26th September. Western Australian Association wrote to H Crapp, offering him very fine inducements to go across & umpire these matches. H Crapp has declined, as his services are required in Melbourne Sporting Judge 26th Sept 1903 H Crapp umpires Bendigo Football Association Premiership decider - Eaglehawk v Bendigo Leader 25th June 1904 H Crapp umpires VFL v Ballarat match at MCG on 18th June Leader 16th July 1904 A cowardly fellow in the Geelong Members' Reserve struck umpire H Crapp with a severe blow in the face as he came off the ground at the end of the drawn match between Geelong & Carlton at Corio Oval on 9th July. The blow to H Crapp dazed him. The cowardly fellow who has only recently come to Geelong was immediately seized & his name was taken by the Geelong Secretary, Mr Charles Brownlow & the Police. He will be prosecuted & expel from the club & Ground. This is the first time this type of incident has occurred at Geelong Sporting Judge 13th Aug 1904 H Crapp umpires the first ever Interstate match between Victoria & Western Australia at MCG on 6th August Herald 16th June 1905 H Crapp has been appointed to Field umpire Sth Melb v Fitz Exhibition match in Sydney on 24th June Herald 30th June 1905 H Crapp umpires as a Goal umpire in a Inter-University match on 28th June Sth Melb Rec 5th Aug 1905 H Crapp umpires the Final match for the State Schools' Premiership of the Southern District - Albert Park v Port Melbourne at East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 31st July Sporting Judge 19th Aug 1905 H Crapp umpires Interstate match between Victoria & New South Wales at MCG on 12th August Herald 1st Sept 1905 H Crapp appointed to Field umpire the Inter-State University match between Melbourne & Adelaide at MCG on 7th September Herald 14th Oct 1905 Field Umpires W Freame & H Crapp umpire Charity match at Victoria Park between Collingwood (VFL) & Richmond (VFA). The match was held to raise funds for Epileptic Colony. W Freame umpired the 1st Half; H Crapp 2nd Half. State Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot attended with other distinguished guests. Collingwood won the match by 10pts in front of around 3000 spectators Herald 24th Aug 1906 H Crapp has written a note to Tom Sherrin in Victoria, stating the game is in fine condition in the West Australia & he has started delivering lectures to umpires, in which he imparts instructions as to the duties of those much-abused officials. His work earns him a Guinea a lecture Sporting Judge 9th July 1910 H Crapp in Western Australia has lately been molested after a Football match Australasian 8th Aug 1914 324 H Crapp has been appointed to umpire in the Australian Football Carnival in Sydney Herald 23rd April 1915 H Crapp, former VFL Field umpire has retired after 20 years of umpiring in Victoria & Western Australia Herald 13th Aug 1920 Reports from Western Australian Football League that Henry Crapp made a come back as a Field umpire in one of there Premiership matches. This was caused, because two umpires never turned up. One was Percy Trotter (Former Fitzroy champion Footballer) Sporting Globe 23rd Jan 1924 7 H Crapp has passed away in Perth. His death at 51 years of age was reported to have been from a strained heart Sportsman 18th Sept 1900 Report by H Crapp, Condon Coll player - got life for bad language (General Jottings)
In a Section B match between Melbourne & Collingwood played at Albert Park on 8th September, Collingwood captain Dick Condon abused Field umpire H Crapp with bad language for a decision that went against Collingwood in the first quarter. When Dick Condon was given a free kick against him for tripping a Melbourne player in the 2nd quarter, D Condon said to H Crapp, "Your daughter is a bloody whore." R Condon was reported by H Crapp for his bad conduct. The VFL Investigation committee during the week found R Condon guilty & took into account that R Condon had two other incidents early in the season re: Bad language towards Field umpires, W Freame & R Condon & decided to disqualify him for life.Herald 21st June 1901 H Crapp collapses in Ballarat
Field umpire H Crapp had to cancel his match appointment to umpire the Ballarat v VFL at City Oval on 15th June, due to sudden illness. During the morning before the match, H Crapp went out for a run & collapsed with a stabbling sensation in his side. He return to his Hotel & went straight to bed. Dr Cussen was called in & found H Crapp suffering severely from pleurisy. While H Crapp was in great pain all Saturday night, Essendon footballer & VFL captain, George Stuckey assisted him with splendid care & ability.Sporting Judge 14th Sept 1901 Stray says?.. Supporter out to get H Crapp in Ess v Coll GF match
During the Grand Final match between Essendon & Collingwood played at Albert Park on 7th September, a spectator minus hat & coat, who rolling up the cuffs of his white shirt, marched valiantly out in the direction of a struggling bunch of players under the Press box. Reports said the individual was after Field umpire H Crapp's scalp & a sanguinary encounter was no doubt nipped in the bud by a constable, running the trespasser off the ground & bundling him neck & crop over the fence.Sportsman 28th May 1902 Spectator tries to hand Rule book to umpire H Crapp in Coll v Fitz match
During the Collingwood v Fitzroy match played at Victoria Park on 24th May, a spectator race out on to the field & tried to hand a small book of rules to Field umpire H Crapp. The spectator was restrained getting to H Crapp by Collingwood player William Proudfoot. William Proudfoot works as a policeman during the week & it is said that the rule of the police force is that a constable is always on duty. William Proudfoot after some trouble with the spectator managed to dispatch this individual over the fence with no interruption in the match.Argus 9th June 1902 6 H Crapp insulted, kicked by spectators
Comments from the Argus newspaper regarding a incident against Field umpire H Crapp by spectators after the Carlton v Fitzroy match on 7th June at Princes Park. The report was inquired by the VFL permit & umpire committee after published & a meeting took place on 13th June at Port Phillip Club Hotel. The following is some of the comments mentioned by the newspaper reporter: It is surely time some steps were taken by the powers that be to protect umpires from insult & assault. When H Crapp was coming in at the conclusion of the match, a crowd of well-dressed larrikins congregated at the gate of the reserve, boohooed & reviled him. One unmanly coward kicked him & just as H Crapp turned to see who his assailant was , he saw a hand raised to strike him. There are many fine sportsmen associated with the Carlton Club & it is to be wondered at that steps are not taken by the managers of the ground to prevent such occurrences, for this is not the forst time the umpire has complained. The fact remains that there are people in the Carlton reserve each Saturday who do not know how to behave themselves properly.Age 14th June 1902 12 ANOTHER COMPLAINT - Football Rowdyism - H Crapp kicked by spectators & insulted
An incident after the Carlton v Fitzroy match played at Princes Park on 7th June, was inquired into by the VFL permit & umpire committee regarding a published report in Argus newspaper on 9th June, that alleged Field umpire H Crapp was kicked by spectators & that one spectator raised his hand in a threatening way as H Crapp was retiring to the dressing rooms through enclosure area of the ground. H Crapp was called upon to make a statement on the incident. Several witnesses were called, who stated that there was no demonstration of hostility against the umpire & it was further stated that there are ample provisions on the Carlton ground to guard against injury to players & umpires. The VFL permit & umpire committee on 13th June at Port Phillip Club Hotel, found that the comments regarding the incident that took place were exaggerated.Argus 14th June 1902 18 Outcome meeting, H Crapp attacked by Spectator
A meeting was held at Port Phillip Hotel by the VFL permit & umpire committee on the night of 13th June, regarding an objection to a report by the Argus newspaper stating a incident that Field umpire H Crapp was kicked & abused as he left the field after the Carlton v Fitzroy match at Princes Park on 7th June. H Crapp attended the meeting & gave his actual occurrence as follows: "Coming through the gate at the conclusion of the match, a person tried to kick me, but he did not succeed. As I turned round to see who had done it, I noticed another person with his hand raised in a threatening manner, but when he saw me looking he did not go any further. The kick grazed my ankle, but if it had been a few inches lower I would have been lamed for three or four weeks. The Argus newspaper reporter asked me if i had been struck & I told him what I have now stated." Evidence from the sergeant of police with H Crapp at the time & other Carlton officials were also taken into account. The VFL permit & umpire committee decided after inquiring into the incident Re: report in Argus newspaper, in it's opinion the comments which appeared were exaggerated.Australasian 21st June 1902 A LEAGUE VERDICT - H Crapp kicked by spectator after match
After the Carlton v South Melbourne match played at Princes Park on 21st June, Field umpire H Crapp was making his way to the umpire's dressingroom through the reserve area, a spectator attempted to kick H Crapp in the leg. Fortunately, the kick by the ruffian grazed H Crapp's ankle. The incident was reported by H Crapp to VFL permit & umpire committee.Herald 25th May 1903 "A GOOD INSTRUCTIONAL GAME" - H Crapp comments on match in Sydney
In the first ever match played for premiership points outside Victoria, Fitzroy played Collingwood at Sydney Cricket Ground on 23rd May 1903. The match was umpired by Field umpire H Crapp. H Crapp comments regarding this experience: The play was rather crowded, because of the smallness of the ground. He could not punch the football far in from out of bounds to try & make the match more open. The ground size was against that. The match was well played & one of a good educational character.Geelong Adv 11th July 1904 2 H Crapp hit by Spectator (Town Talk)
After the drawn match at Corio Oval between Geelong & Carlton on 9th July. Field umpire H Crapp, when passing through the reserve to reach the pavilion, was struck by a man & the sequel is likely to eventuate in the Police Court. The name of the man who struck the blow was taken & H Crapp intimated his intention of proceeding against the him on summons.Herald 15th July 1904 H Crapp assaulted at Geelong (Letter to VFL by Mr Charles Brownlow)
Mr Charles Brownlow, (Secretary of the Geelong Football club) after a club committee meeting on 13th July has sent a letter to VFL concerning the blackguardly assault by a spectator on Field umpire Henry Crapp after the drawn Geelong v Carlton match at Corio oval on 9th July. The letter states that the club committee regrets that such an incident should have occurred & to inform you that such steps will be taken to vindicate the Field umpire & make such an example of the offender that a repetition will be impossible.Argus 20th July 1904 9 ASSAULTING A FOOTBALL UMPIRE AT GEELONG (Country News section)
Considerable interest was taken in a case at the Geelong Police Court on 19th July, in which Amos E Bradshaw (Licensee of the Royal Mail Hotel in Yarra street, Geelong) was proceeded against by Henry Crapp on a charge of unlawful assault. Mr A H Bowman prosecuted & Mr J P Doyle defended Amos Bradshaw, who pleaded guilty. In explaining the circumstances surrounding the case, Mr Bowman stated that Field umpire Henry Crapp (Employed by Victorian Football League) umpired the match between Geelong & Carlton at Corio Oval on 9th July. At the finish of the drawn match a demonstration was made chiefly by youngsters against the Field umpire, who however was struck on the neck without warning by accused as he was walking through the reserve & knocked down. Constable Gleeson was present at the incident, but refused to take Amos Bradshaw in charge, as he knew him. It was only fair to say that Bradshaw had made reparation & tendered an apology. Henry Crapp was not satisfied with the apology, stating he had been knocked down & dazed by Amos Bradshaw's blow in evidence. Mr Patterson, P.M. stated this conduct of this kind must be stopped. If any man should be protected, it was an umpire - a man whose duties were most difficult. Amos E Bradshaw was fined 40/, in default 14 days imprisonment & ordered to pay E3/10/6 costs.Geel - News of Week 23rd July 1904 12 ASSAULTING AN UMPIRE - Police Court outcome, H Crapp against Amos E Bradshaw
The informant, Henry Crapp represented by Mr Bowman proceeded against Amos E Bradshaw on a charge of unlawful assault. The Court case was held on Tuesday 19th July at Geelong Police Court. The defendant pleaded guilty. Field umpire Henry Crapp was appointed to the Geelong v Carlton match at Corio Oval on 9th July. At the finish of the match, which ended in a draw between the two teams, there was a small demonstration against the Field umpire, mostly by youngsters. As the Field umpire was walking through the reserve he was struck without any warning on the neck by the accused & fell on the pathway. The defendant had made all the reparation possible & had tendered an ample apology. Henry Crapp gave evidence that he was struck in the face without warning by Amos Bradshaw & was dazed for a moment by the blow. He did not hear him say anything & never saw the man to his knowledge before. He was satisfied with the apology made. Amos Bradshaw was fined 40/-, in default 14 dats imprisonment with E3/10/6 costs. Mr Patterson, P.M. remarked that a man be brought up again on a similar charge, he would be sent to goal without the option of a fine, for it was a very serious offence.Herald 21st July 1905 H Crapp involved with Constable talking to Fitzroy player v Coll match
During the progress of the match between Collingwood & Fitzroy at Victoria Park on 1st July, a constable spoke to one of the Fitzroy players, Field umpire H Crapp told the constable to mind his own business as he was in charge of the match. The incident was referred to VFL committee & they have been deputed to see the Chief Commissioner of the Police in regard to it.Herald 22nd June 1906 H Crapp nearly returns to Victoria
Henry Crapp, the former Victorian Field umpire who went to Western Australia before the 1906 Football season was almost determined to return to Victoria the other day. He had made arrangements to do so, but a few hours before leaving by boat. Mr J J Simons, (Secretary of the Western Australian Football Association) prevailed upon him to remain at a fee of L4 4s per match. H Crapp was allowed to umpire mid-week matches also which would give him about six guineas a week.Sporting Judge 7th Oct 1916 H Crapp returned to Victoria to watch Junior Football Association semi final & how he got into umpiring
On 30th September, a notable spectator at the Junior Football semi-finals was present. It was the famous VFL umpire Henry Crapp. Apropos of this undoubted "Prince of arbitrators", Mr Bob King, (Fitzroy Football Club Time keeper) tells us how Henry Crapp got into umpiring. It seems that Henry Crapp, when playing for Fitzroy Juniors club against Union Jack club in 1893, he ricked a knee & decided to drop out of active participation in the game as a player. He later heard that the Junior Football Association required another Field umpire to complete it's complement. H Crapp was induced to apply & ultimately became one of the final half-dozen from whom choice was to be made. The persuasive powers of Mr Bob King at the time, overcame the opposition & eventually Henry Crapp received the vacant berth.Western Argus, Kalgoorlie (WA) 29th Jan 1924 17 OBITUARY - THE LATE "IVO" CRAPP
Football held a lifelong interest for "Ivo" Crapp & in the capacity of central umpire he attained a degree of skill which stamped him as a prodigy & one who was without peer in the history of the Australian game. Temperament is just as important & because he was gifted both in this respect & in the technical sphere, was Henry Crapp finally to earn the title of "Prince of Umpires." Henry Crapp set a standard of umpiring which could not possibly be excelled. His skill in interpretation was equalled only by the force of his personality. Henry Crapp never permitted the ugly element to enter into a contest, infact it never looked like doing it, so kindly but firm was his control of the players. "Now then Ladda!" was a cry made familiar by him, shouted to some headstrong impetuous footballer. It brought him to his senses in an instant. Henry Crapp would not tolerate anything that savoured of unsportsmanlike tactics & it was his wonderful personality which accounted in no little degree for his success & popularity. Another habit, which he early acquired, was that of accompanying a penalty with an explanation of the reason for the decision. "You pushed him ladda" or "Push behind," he would tell the transgressor & spectators as well. Henry Crapp got to understand the ways of the footballer & they admired him no less than the spectators delighted to see him in action. Henry Crapp, for sometime had experienced heart trouble, which brought about his sudden death last week.Northern Standard, Darwin(NT) 19th Feb 1924 2 DEATH OF "IVO" CRAPP, A GREAT UMPIRE
Widespread regret was expressed on all sides when it became known that Henry "Ivo" Crapp, one of the finest central umpires in the history of Australian League football , had died at his residence at 69 Carr street, West Perth. The announcement of his death came as a shock to thousands who had from time to time, watched the "Prince of Umpires" as he was aptly described, display his masterly skill on the field. Born in Carlton, Victoria Henry Crapp umpired many matches in the Victorian Football League before he came to Western Australia in 1906, to fulfil an engagement on the goldfields, but it was not long before he was a familiar & popular figure on the football field in the metropolitan area. He left the goldfields evidently with the object of returning to the Eastern states, but he was intercepted in Perth where he umpired a match in which West Perth was concerned & he so aroused the enthusiasm of everyone by his briliant exhibition as central umpire that the Western Australian Football League secured his services. Henry Crapp's sportsmanlike tactics, his wonderful personality & his skilful interpretation of the rules won for him thousands of admireres. When the first ever Australian Football Carnival was held in 1908 at Melbourne, Henry Crapp was appointed coach of the Western Australian team & under his able guidance, they were particularly successful finishing second to Victoria team. Henry Crapp retired at the end of 1919 season. He spent the two Football season coaching the West Perth Football club. His services to the club earned him Life membership. While in Western Australia he was employee of the Stirling street Markets in Perth. Henry Crapp was 51 years old when he passed away last month, leaving a widow & three children.Herald 2nd May 1924 5 VETERAN OFFICIALS, Many Years in Game - How Henry Crapp got into umpiring by accident
According to Bob King, (Official Timekeeper for the Fitzroy Football club) Henry "Ivo" Crapp became an Field umpire by accident. Playing for Fitzroy Juniors against Union Jack in the Victorian Junior Association in 1893, he kicked at the football & missed it, which resulted in his knee being wrenched. H Crapp had to look on for the rest of 1893 season & was offered a position to Field umpire in Junior Football Association in 1894.Sporting Globe 10th July 1935 12 When Umpires had to fight for Safety by H J Nugent "Bunny (Former Field umpire & Ex-President of the VFL Umpires' Association) - Comment from Ivo Crapp
Henry Nugent managed to meet "Ivo" Crapp many years ago & asked him what would one require to be a successful umpire. Henry Crapp reply "Get yourself into first-class condition, learn the rules thoroughly, be fearless & prompt with your decisions."Sporting Globe 14th Sept 1935 7 Jack Joseph "Dookie" McKenzie (former Essendon player 1901-1902 & Melbourne player 1915) says Prince of Umpires was Ivo Crapp
"Umpiring my first few games according to the letter of the book. I made an unholy mess of things. Pals & critics told me my display was rotten. Disappointed & worried, I ripped the rule book to pieces & scattered it's pages to the wind. I decided to handle matches, taking common sense views & not caring for the consequences. I was never interfered with by officials, nor would I have tolerated it." Those were the words from the Princes of Umpires Ivo Crapp, when "Dookie" McKenzie asked him how he made good as a Field umpire. Ivo Crapp took "the bit in the teeth" & allowed common sense to guide him in arriving at decisions. He was the master of ceremonies from the moment he donned his white uniform & every player in the League knew it. He was more than an umpire, he was the best coach the game has seen. He coached the two teams in every game he umpired, & had no favorites. When playing for Essendon, "Dookie" McKenzie thought of Ivo Crapp as a "little tin god." His charm of manner, tight grip of a match, fairness & firmness kept him on a high pedestal of fame, on & off the field. One reason for Ivo Crapp's greatness as an umpire was, because he anticipated thoughts & actions of players. He could stop cunning old players from employing their tricks & at the same time correct errors in the play of new men in a side. Players were not game to mess him about. Such an act would bring a look of scorn that would make the player feel as big as threepence. In addressing their teams before going out to play, captains used to tell their players that Ivo Crapp had the whistle & everyone had to play the game & cut out staging. It was a compliment that the great umpire never knew was being paid to him. Ivo Crapp was physically, mentally strong & endowed with great pace, he umpired matches from a position that gave him a good field of vision. He made a practice of familiarising himself with the name of every player & there was no mistaking who was awarded the free kick & who was the offender. He could be heard giving a decision something like this: "Take it Smith, against you Jones for tripping!" In a match where new men were included in a side, Ivo Crapp would ask captains to point out recruits & tell their names. He never forgot. He considered it was his business to remember names & faces. He once told me that all footballers were his pals & that it was right & proper to know the names of friends. Ivo Crapp was a great ambassador to the game & was responsible for the game attracting it's patrons, because the way he made men play it, which made the match a fine spectacle.Sporting Globe 29th Aug 1936 8 Rod McGregor (former Carlton player, 1905-1920) says "players called umpire Ivo Crapp, THE BOSS"
Players of my time looked on Field umpire Ivo Crapp as "The Boss." Not that he bullied players or even showed them up, but beneath his quiet control was that silent strength that comes from a strong personality. You were always conscious of his grip & power. He was the terror of evil doers. Under Ivo Crapp you went out with your mind made up to play football. If you did that, you got what you deserved, no more & no less. I feel sure that Ivo Crapp's influence on many young players directed them along proper lines of conduct on the field. One of his chief characteristics, which I remember well was his quiet control of the game. He had little to say, but he brooked no argument. He gained respect & merited it. He was tall & stood well among big men, which is certainly an advantage. The few words he had to say were spoken in rather a drawling fashion. If he said a thing, it was so. That was the end of it. Ivo Crapp capability in all respects gained him the title of our fairest umpire, although it might have been better to say "the most competent."Sporting Globe 19th June 1943 4 Ted Rowell's memoirs No.8 - Ivo Crapp outstanding umpire - Great success (Tells the story of how he got his respect & the nickname "Ivo")
Ted Rowell (Former Collingwood player between 1905-1915) tell us that in his football days, I found that outstanding umpires were few & far between. The most capable I think was Ivo Crapp. There were two Crapp brothers who were famous, one as a great player for the Carlton Football Club in VFA (William) & the younger one (Henry) as the great umpire of his period. They were both known to the sporting world as "Ivo." Henry was given the nickname after his elder brother had retired from playing football. William Crapp had got the nickname "Ivo" from his close facial resemblance to the English cricket captain, Hon. Ivo Bligh (8th Earl of Darnley) who visited Australia in 1882/1883 as the first ever English cricket captain to play an Ashes series on Australian soil. Known also as Harry Crapp, he stood 6ft. 1in. He had great success as a Field umpire in matches as he had the skill of keeping players well in hand. Players & onlookers would be informed promptly & clearly why the free kick was given. Henry would often call out "Round the neck, holding the ball, push behind, cut that out or enough of that" The consequence of this action was that there were fewer infringements of the rules & fewer free-kicks to hold up play. His strong personality seemed to instill respect into the players with the result that his decisions were seldom questioned. At the end of 1905 VFL season, Harry went to Perth & umpired for several years there. After retiring from umpiring in 1919, he played bowls for two years before being asked by football officials to come out of retirement to officiate in 1921 Australian Football Carnival held in Perth. His comeback after being out of training for sometime took toll of him physically & he died a comparatively young man in January 1924.Sporting Globe 7th Oct 1944 5 Fitzroy memories by Harold "Lal" McLennan (Former Fitzroy player 1907-1919 & current President of Fitzroy Football club, 1944) - "Ivo" Crapp was the Best", recalls Mick Grace shaking H Crapp's hand with mud on it
Lal McLennan recalls an incident with Field umpire Ivo Crapp in the 1900 Grand Final between Fitzroy v Melbourne at East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 22nd September. One of Ivo Crapp's free kicks that day was given against Fitzroy's Mick Grace. Mick Grace had just fallen in a heap of mud & when he jumped up, one of his hands was full of mud. Mick Grace decided to make a great gesture of shaking hands with Ivo Crapp. Ivo Crapp slung the mud off his hand in great disgust.Samuel Hood Field Born 27/08/1869
at Tyrone (Ireland)
Died 28/12/1943
at Mont Albert, aged 74Electrician
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Sportsman 9th Aug 1898 S Hood plays for his old club, Footscray against North Melbourne in VFA. The VFL send letter to umpires stating that the VFL deemed it undesirable for their umpires to play in football matches during the season in which they are engaged Sportsman 9th May 1899 S Hood wins half-mile handicap from 20 yards at the Yarraville Sports
J Keenan umpires Ballarat v VFL match in BallaratJames Colwell Keenan Field
Boundary
GoalBorn 22/12/1872
at North Melbourne
Died 12/06/1944
at Essendon, aged 71Engine Fitter/Engineer
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Australasian 26th Aug 1899 J Keenan umpires Ballarat v VFL match in Ballarat
Argus 4th Sept 1899 Charles Moore (Essendon) accidentally strikes umpire J Keenan in the mouth while trying to hit Joseph McShane (Geelong) in a brawl during Ess v Geel match at East Melbourne Cricket Ground Sth Melb Rec 9th May 1903 J Keenan is late by 10 minutes, both Teams having to wait for him - Sth Melb v Melb match at Lakeside Oval on 2nd May Herald 30th Sept 1910 J Keenan has had a accident while at work on 28th September at North Melbourne Locomotive engine sheds. The top joint of the second finger of the right hand was chopped clean off by a hydraulic jack. He will now miss his appointment to Goal umpire the VFL Grand Final this weekend Thomas Monder Kendall Field Born 08/01/1872
at Geelong
Died 21/12/1943
at Moonee Ponds, aged 67Stonemason
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Sporting Judge 21st Sept 1907 T Kendall strained the sinews of his leg at three-quarter time & was replaced by P Lane in the VFA Semi-final match between Williamstown & Footscray at East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 14th September Herald 3rd Sept 1909 T Kendall, VFA Field umpire gets offer during the week to umpire the South Australian Football League's Finals in Adelaide. T Kendall has infomed them that he is unavailable due to other umpiring commitments Sporting Judge 30th July 1910 T Kendall refused players to use mittens during a VFA match at Essendon Herald 29th July 1910 MITTENS, Their use in Football - Umpire Tom Kendall's explanation. Tom Kendall responses to an article in Herald last week
A good deal has been said during the week about players wearing mittens on wet days, following reports that Brunswick Team were told not to wear mittens by Field umpire T Kendall in the VFA match between Brunswick & Essendon Town on 23rd July at Brunswick. Field umpire wrote to Herald to explain his side of the story: "I saw your paper on Saturday night last, that the Brunswick team came out on the ground with mittens & that I objected to the mittens being worn by players. I did nothing of the sort, Dave McNamara (Essendon Town captain) came up to me before the game started & said "My team objects to the Brunswick team wearing the mittens." I said, "I can do nothing in the matter," but I told Dave McNamara that I would see Jack McKenzie (Brunswick captain) & tell him that Essendon Town objected to the mittens. I saw Jack McKenzie about it & he said "All right, Tom," & that they would take the mittens off all together. So I would be very much obliged to you, if you would spare me a liittle space in Friday's night's Herald to contradict last Saturday night's report.Argus 14th June 1913 17 INSULTING AN UMPIRE - T Kendall, Williamstown court
Walter Sydney Hall, (Spectator) a young man was proceeded against at the Williamstown Court (13th June) by Constable J Gleeson for having used insulting words towards Field umpire Tom M Kendall in the VFA match between Willianstown & Brunswick at Williamstown on 31st May. T Kendall stated that at half-time, when he was coming off the ground, proceeding to the pavillion, accused called to him, asserting loudly that he "was a ____rotten dog." He had given W Hall, in defense expressed his sorrow for what had occured, but said that at the time he was under the influence of liquor. Mr W Pearson J.P concluding his verdict on this case, said "I have seen the time when you would be fined E5 for this language." Instead, W Hall was fined 40/, with 12/6 costs.Geel Adv 27th Aug 1937 STANDARD OF UMPIRING, How Coach Views Position - "Senior men should not be hampered & Criticisms Justified"
"This game of ours is no doubt being spoilt by bad umpiring. Many of the Field umpires have not the backbone to stand up against these so-called rough & clever gentleman as players. I have always maintained that to be an Field umpire a man wants to have courage of his own & to have absolute control." Comments from Mr Tom Kendall, a former Victorian Football League & Association Field umpire. He officiated in Victorian Football League for 3 years & Victorian Football Association for 18 years. While at the Victorian Football Association he had charge of the Finals in 6 successive seasons. Today, Tom Kendall is connected with Victorian Sub-District Umpires' Association. Tom Kendall felt that when an umpire rose to senior football he should be able to do his job without this coaching business, which he thought interfered with interpretations of the rules. "I remember when I first started to Field umpire for the Victorian Football Association, the Association delegates were telling me for the first three Saturdays how to umpire the game. I tried to do what they wanted & I know I was a failure. So I told the Football Association secretary, (Mr T Evans) that I was going to umpire my next match in my own way. After that match played between Footscray & Essendon Town at Footscray, Mr T Evans came into the umpires changing room & congratulated me & the Association never once after that interfered with my mthods of umpiring. That is why I maintain that the present day senior Field umpires are hampered too much. They have too many things on their minds & they are not allowed to use their own brains. Until there is an alteration in the present system our great game will cintinue to slip back. Tom Kendall also makes an appeal to Field umpires to keep the heavier players in check in order to give the lighter & smaller players a chance to show their skill & points out that rough incidents have been frequently caused by bad umpiring, as players have not been checked. What Field umpires should do is to make the players understand that they will not tolerate any brutal football & that the football is the player's object.Thomas Henry Mccoy Field
BoundaryBorn 1866
at St Kilda
Died 06/08/1935
at South Melbourne, aged 68Coachbuilder
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Herald 12th Aug 1904 T McCoy, former VFL Field umpire returns to Melbourne & is placed on the list of VFL Boundary umpires. He would only umpire 2 matches
Name Category Dates Occupation References J C Smith Field Born
at
Died 00/01/1900
at , agedNone William James Bruton Goal Born 1860
at Ballarat
Died 15/05/1914
at Richmond, aged 53Hairdresser/Tobacconist/Paper ruler
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Herald 26th July 1901 Goal umpire W Bruton makes bad call during Melbourne v Collingwood match at MCG on 6th July. William Proudfoot (Collingwood) claims of keeping football in play before crossing scoring line. Goal umpire called it a behind. The Umpiring Permit committee decided it was incorrect & the behind should not have been registered to Melbourne. Melbourne won the match by 1pt. Frederick John Burton Goal Born
at
Died 00/01/1900
at , agedNone George Thomas Clapham Goal Born 21/03/1874
at Prahran
Died 14/10/1938
at Prahran, aged 64Coachbuilder None Alexander Morrison Coventry Goal Born 15/05/1860
at South Yarra
Died 06/01/1944
at Ashgrove (QLD), aged 83Jeweller None David Alexander Elder Goal Born 01/05/1865
at Melbourne
Died 22/04/1954
at Deepdene, aged 88Brassfinisher None John Dixon Elliott Goal Born 31/12/1858
at Prahran
Died 18/12/1950
at North Fitzroy, aged 91Contractor/Carpenter None
Name Category Dates Occupation References Frederick Franks Goal Born 03/11/1861
at Bubwith-Yorkshire, London (UK)
Died 27/05/1920
at Northcote, aged 58Saddler
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Sporting Judge 1st Aug 1903 Peter Burns (Geelong veteran Footballer) was asked to Goal umpire at Victoria Park because, one of the Goal umpires (F Franks) appointed was late to match between Coll v Geel on 25th July. Sportsman 10th Aug 1897 Ball hits Goal post protest (Franks goal umpire) Sth Melb v Ess & Snap shots section by "Drop Kick"
The South Melbourne Football club lodged a protest last week with VFL match committee against a goal given to Essendon Football club in the match played on 24th July at East Melbourne Cricket Ground. It's alleged that Essendon's 5th Goal kicked in the 2nd Quarter of the match hit the goal post. The match ended in a 4pt win to Essendon. The protest came before a special meeting held at Young & Jackson's Hotel on 7th August. Goal umpire F Franks was called in & said that he complied fully with the rule before giving his decision & was positive the football did not strike the goal post. The chairman (R H McLeod) of the meeting stated that on F Franks' evidence, the rule had been complied with & the commitee decided unanimously that South Melbourne had no grounds for the protest, which meant the Goal umpire's decision was final.William George Goer Goal Born 1854
at Hobart (TAS)
Died 21/07/1920
at Stanmore, Sydney (NSW), aged 65Cooper None John Lucas Goal Born 21/06/1856
at Whitechapel, London (UK)
Died 15/06/1935
at Fitzroy, aged 78Machinist
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Herald 4th July 1913 J Lucas has resign as a VFL Goal umpire & President of VFL Umpires' Association. M Minahan has replaced him as President. J Lucas recently has been elected Life membership of VFL Umpires' Association Herald 3rd Sept 1909 Goal umpires J Lucas & M Minahan in the match between Melb & Uni at MCG on 14th August have been told by VFL Umpiring & Permit committee that they will be not appointed for another match this season after not communicating with Field umpire properly with the "all clear" signal
The VFL Permit & Umpire's Committee held a meeting on 1st September with Field umpire (E Drohan) & Goal umpires (J Lucas & M Minahan) who officiated in the match between Melbourne & University at MCG on 14th August. The University Football club stated the Goal umpires were received a nod from the Field umpire as a "all clear" signal. Fiel umpire E Drohan stated he always gave the signal verbally. The committee decided not to appoint both Goal umpires for the rest of season from this weekend.James Rickard Goal Born 1867
at
Died 27/03/1924
at Cheltenham, aged 57Painter
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Sportsman 12th May 1903 James Rickard, VFA & VFL Goal umpire for 17 years & former Carlton player in VFA for 11 years has given up his connection with the game & is leaving to South Africa Daniel Richard Shine Goal Born 1857
at Ireland
Died 18/05/1911
at Geelong, aged 54Boot maker/Clerk None Christopher Thomas Goal Born 24/02/1855
at Emerald Hill
Died 05/04/1938
at Kensington, aged 83Moulder/Labourer
Newspaper Date Year Page Details Age 2nd Sept 1901 Goal decision hit goal post, Ess v Fitz Semi Final match
In Semi-Final clash between Essendon & Fitzroy played at Victoria Park on 31st August, Essendon's first goal in 2nd quarter was snapped out of a crowd by Albert Thurgood (Essendon), but in awarding it the goal umpire (C Thomas) made a mistake. Every man on the Fitzroy side in a position to see positively declared that the football touched the goal post & although Albert Thurgood could not be expected to join in the general expression of opinion, it was very evident that he amongst others, realised that 1 point should have been scored instead of 6 points. At the close of the hard & distressing play the Fitzroy men & their supporters were naturally very sore about it & there was much talk of a protest. An appeal against the goal umpire's ruling could not be entertained & Fitzroy have to put up with a piece of wretchedly bad luck at a most critical stage of the premiership competition. Fitzroy lost the match by 1 point.John Henry Turpenny Goal Born 1854
at Launceston (TAS)
Died 31/12/1935
at Balmain (NSW), aged 81Book seller None
Newspaper | Date | Year | Page | Details |
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Sportsman | 28th June | 1898 | H Crapp has his foot accidentally stepped on by a Carlton player & swells up which he is unable to umpire for 3 weeks - Carl v St K match at Princes Park | |
Sporting Judge | 8th July | 1898 | H Crapp umpires Vic v Sth Aust match at MCG | |
Sportsman | 12th July | 1898 | The first player under the VFL rules who has been called up for a reprimand was W Matthews (St Kilda), who had been found guilty of using bad language towards H Crapp during Carl v St Kilda match at Princes Park | |
Herald | 5th Aug | 1898 | H Crapp umpires match at Clementson near Allendale, South Australia (6th August) | |
Herald | 8th Sept | 1899 | H Crapp umpires South Australian Grand Final in Adelaide - South Australia v Norwood | |
Sporting Judge | 6th Oct | 1900 | H Crapp receives a complimentary letter & a bonus 2 Guineas from VFL, for his efforts in the two Finals | |
Sporting Judge | 29th June | 1901 | H Crapp is sick with Pleurisy & has to withdrawal his appointment in Ballarat. (Ballarat v VFL) | |
Sporting Judge | 28th Sept | 1901 | H Crapp receives Honorarium 2/2 from VFL for his efforts in Finals | |
Herald | 18th July | 1902 | H Crapp had to cancel his Country appointment at Mooroopna as he was summoned to act as a Juror for the Crown | |
Leader | 6th Sept | 1902 | H Crapp & J Waters umpired Frederick McGinis Benefit match at MCG on 4th September. (Former Melbourne player Frederick McGinis is losing his eye sight & is unable to play again) Waters umpired the first half & Crapp second half | |
Sporting Judge | 9th May | 1903 | H Crapp has been selected by Bendigo Football Association to officiate their matches this season | |
Herald | 22nd May | 1903 | H Crapp has been appointed to Field umpire the first ever match for Premiership points outside Victoria. Fitz v Coll in Sydney on 23rd May. He will be paid a match fee of L10 | |
Sportsman | 28th July | 1903 | H Crapp umpires Sth Aust v Vic match in Adelaide | |
Herald | 4th Sept | 1903 | South Australian team is going to visit Western Australia to play 2 matches on 19th & 26th September. Western Australian Association wrote to H Crapp, offering him very fine inducements to go across & umpire these matches. H Crapp has declined, as his services are required in Melbourne | |
Sporting Judge | 26th Sept | 1903 | H Crapp umpires Bendigo Football Association Premiership decider - Eaglehawk v Bendigo | |
Leader | 25th June | 1904 | H Crapp umpires VFL v Ballarat match at MCG on 18th June | |
Leader | 16th July | 1904 | A cowardly fellow in the Geelong Members' Reserve struck umpire H Crapp with a severe blow in the face as he came off the ground at the end of the drawn match between Geelong & Carlton at Corio Oval on 9th July. The blow to H Crapp dazed him. The cowardly fellow who has only recently come to Geelong was immediately seized & his name was taken by the Geelong Secretary, Mr Charles Brownlow & the Police. He will be prosecuted & expel from the club & Ground. This is the first time this type of incident has occurred at Geelong | |
Sporting Judge | 13th Aug | 1904 | H Crapp umpires the first ever Interstate match between Victoria & Western Australia at MCG on 6th August | |
Herald | 16th June | 1905 | H Crapp has been appointed to Field umpire Sth Melb v Fitz Exhibition match in Sydney on 24th June | |
Herald | 30th June | 1905 | H Crapp umpires as a Goal umpire in a Inter-University match on 28th June | |
Sth Melb Rec | 5th Aug | 1905 | H Crapp umpires the Final match for the State Schools' Premiership of the Southern District - Albert Park v Port Melbourne at East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 31st July | |
Sporting Judge | 19th Aug | 1905 | H Crapp umpires Interstate match between Victoria & New South Wales at MCG on 12th August | |
Herald | 1st Sept | 1905 | H Crapp appointed to Field umpire the Inter-State University match between Melbourne & Adelaide at MCG on 7th September | |
Herald | 14th Oct | 1905 | Field Umpires W Freame & H Crapp umpire Charity match at Victoria Park between Collingwood (VFL) & Richmond (VFA). The match was held to raise funds for Epileptic Colony. W Freame umpired the 1st Half; H Crapp 2nd Half. State Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot attended with other distinguished guests. Collingwood won the match by 10pts in front of around 3000 spectators | |
Herald | 24th Aug | 1906 | H Crapp has written a note to Tom Sherrin in Victoria, stating the game is in fine condition in the West Australia & he has started delivering lectures to umpires, in which he imparts instructions as to the duties of those much-abused officials. His work earns him a Guinea a lecture | |
Sporting Judge | 9th July | 1910 | H Crapp in Western Australia has lately been molested after a Football match | |
Australasian | 8th Aug | 1914 | 324 | H Crapp has been appointed to umpire in the Australian Football Carnival in Sydney |
Herald | 23rd April | 1915 | H Crapp, former VFL Field umpire has retired after 20 years of umpiring in Victoria & Western Australia | |
Herald | 13th Aug | 1920 | Reports from Western Australian Football League that Henry Crapp made a come back as a Field umpire in one of there Premiership matches. This was caused, because two umpires never turned up. One was Percy Trotter (Former Fitzroy champion Footballer) | |
Sporting Globe | 23rd Jan | 1924 | 7 | H Crapp has passed away in Perth. His death at 51 years of age was reported to have been from a strained heart |
Sportsman | 18th Sept | 1900 | Report by H Crapp, Condon Coll player - got life for bad language (General Jottings) In a Section B match between Melbourne & Collingwood played at Albert Park on 8th September, Collingwood captain Dick Condon abused Field umpire H Crapp with bad language for a decision that went against Collingwood in the first quarter. When Dick Condon was given a free kick against him for tripping a Melbourne player in the 2nd quarter, D Condon said to H Crapp, "Your daughter is a bloody whore." R Condon was reported by H Crapp for his bad conduct. The VFL Investigation committee during the week found R Condon guilty & took into account that R Condon had two other incidents early in the season re: Bad language towards Field umpires, W Freame & R Condon & decided to disqualify him for life. |
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Herald | 21st June | 1901 | H Crapp collapses in Ballarat Field umpire H Crapp had to cancel his match appointment to umpire the Ballarat v VFL at City Oval on 15th June, due to sudden illness. During the morning before the match, H Crapp went out for a run & collapsed with a stabbling sensation in his side. He return to his Hotel & went straight to bed. Dr Cussen was called in & found H Crapp suffering severely from pleurisy. While H Crapp was in great pain all Saturday night, Essendon footballer & VFL captain, George Stuckey assisted him with splendid care & ability. |
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Sporting Judge | 14th Sept | 1901 | Stray says?.. Supporter out to get H Crapp in Ess v Coll GF match During the Grand Final match between Essendon & Collingwood played at Albert Park on 7th September, a spectator minus hat & coat, who rolling up the cuffs of his white shirt, marched valiantly out in the direction of a struggling bunch of players under the Press box. Reports said the individual was after Field umpire H Crapp's scalp & a sanguinary encounter was no doubt nipped in the bud by a constable, running the trespasser off the ground & bundling him neck & crop over the fence. |
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Sportsman | 28th May | 1902 | Spectator tries to hand Rule book to umpire H Crapp in Coll v Fitz match During the Collingwood v Fitzroy match played at Victoria Park on 24th May, a spectator race out on to the field & tried to hand a small book of rules to Field umpire H Crapp. The spectator was restrained getting to H Crapp by Collingwood player William Proudfoot. William Proudfoot works as a policeman during the week & it is said that the rule of the police force is that a constable is always on duty. William Proudfoot after some trouble with the spectator managed to dispatch this individual over the fence with no interruption in the match. |
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Argus | 9th June | 1902 | 6 | H Crapp insulted, kicked by spectators Comments from the Argus newspaper regarding a incident against Field umpire H Crapp by spectators after the Carlton v Fitzroy match on 7th June at Princes Park. The report was inquired by the VFL permit & umpire committee after published & a meeting took place on 13th June at Port Phillip Club Hotel. The following is some of the comments mentioned by the newspaper reporter: It is surely time some steps were taken by the powers that be to protect umpires from insult & assault. When H Crapp was coming in at the conclusion of the match, a crowd of well-dressed larrikins congregated at the gate of the reserve, boohooed & reviled him. One unmanly coward kicked him & just as H Crapp turned to see who his assailant was , he saw a hand raised to strike him. There are many fine sportsmen associated with the Carlton Club & it is to be wondered at that steps are not taken by the managers of the ground to prevent such occurrences, for this is not the forst time the umpire has complained. The fact remains that there are people in the Carlton reserve each Saturday who do not know how to behave themselves properly. |
Age | 14th June | 1902 | 12 | ANOTHER COMPLAINT - Football Rowdyism - H Crapp kicked by spectators & insulted An incident after the Carlton v Fitzroy match played at Princes Park on 7th June, was inquired into by the VFL permit & umpire committee regarding a published report in Argus newspaper on 9th June, that alleged Field umpire H Crapp was kicked by spectators & that one spectator raised his hand in a threatening way as H Crapp was retiring to the dressing rooms through enclosure area of the ground. H Crapp was called upon to make a statement on the incident. Several witnesses were called, who stated that there was no demonstration of hostility against the umpire & it was further stated that there are ample provisions on the Carlton ground to guard against injury to players & umpires. The VFL permit & umpire committee on 13th June at Port Phillip Club Hotel, found that the comments regarding the incident that took place were exaggerated. |
Argus | 14th June | 1902 | 18 | Outcome meeting, H Crapp attacked by Spectator A meeting was held at Port Phillip Hotel by the VFL permit & umpire committee on the night of 13th June, regarding an objection to a report by the Argus newspaper stating a incident that Field umpire H Crapp was kicked & abused as he left the field after the Carlton v Fitzroy match at Princes Park on 7th June. H Crapp attended the meeting & gave his actual occurrence as follows: "Coming through the gate at the conclusion of the match, a person tried to kick me, but he did not succeed. As I turned round to see who had done it, I noticed another person with his hand raised in a threatening manner, but when he saw me looking he did not go any further. The kick grazed my ankle, but if it had been a few inches lower I would have been lamed for three or four weeks. The Argus newspaper reporter asked me if i had been struck & I told him what I have now stated." Evidence from the sergeant of police with H Crapp at the time & other Carlton officials were also taken into account. The VFL permit & umpire committee decided after inquiring into the incident Re: report in Argus newspaper, in it's opinion the comments which appeared were exaggerated. |
Australasian | 21st June | 1902 | A LEAGUE VERDICT - H Crapp kicked by spectator after match After the Carlton v South Melbourne match played at Princes Park on 21st June, Field umpire H Crapp was making his way to the umpire's dressingroom through the reserve area, a spectator attempted to kick H Crapp in the leg. Fortunately, the kick by the ruffian grazed H Crapp's ankle. The incident was reported by H Crapp to VFL permit & umpire committee. |
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Herald | 25th May | 1903 | "A GOOD INSTRUCTIONAL GAME" - H Crapp comments on match in Sydney In the first ever match played for premiership points outside Victoria, Fitzroy played Collingwood at Sydney Cricket Ground on 23rd May 1903. The match was umpired by Field umpire H Crapp. H Crapp comments regarding this experience: The play was rather crowded, because of the smallness of the ground. He could not punch the football far in from out of bounds to try & make the match more open. The ground size was against that. The match was well played & one of a good educational character. |
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Geelong Adv | 11th July | 1904 | 2 | H Crapp hit by Spectator (Town Talk) After the drawn match at Corio Oval between Geelong & Carlton on 9th July. Field umpire H Crapp, when passing through the reserve to reach the pavilion, was struck by a man & the sequel is likely to eventuate in the Police Court. The name of the man who struck the blow was taken & H Crapp intimated his intention of proceeding against the him on summons. |
Herald | 15th July | 1904 | H Crapp assaulted at Geelong (Letter to VFL by Mr Charles Brownlow) Mr Charles Brownlow, (Secretary of the Geelong Football club) after a club committee meeting on 13th July has sent a letter to VFL concerning the blackguardly assault by a spectator on Field umpire Henry Crapp after the drawn Geelong v Carlton match at Corio oval on 9th July. The letter states that the club committee regrets that such an incident should have occurred & to inform you that such steps will be taken to vindicate the Field umpire & make such an example of the offender that a repetition will be impossible. |
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Argus | 20th July | 1904 | 9 | ASSAULTING A FOOTBALL UMPIRE AT GEELONG (Country News section) Considerable interest was taken in a case at the Geelong Police Court on 19th July, in which Amos E Bradshaw (Licensee of the Royal Mail Hotel in Yarra street, Geelong) was proceeded against by Henry Crapp on a charge of unlawful assault. Mr A H Bowman prosecuted & Mr J P Doyle defended Amos Bradshaw, who pleaded guilty. In explaining the circumstances surrounding the case, Mr Bowman stated that Field umpire Henry Crapp (Employed by Victorian Football League) umpired the match between Geelong & Carlton at Corio Oval on 9th July. At the finish of the drawn match a demonstration was made chiefly by youngsters against the Field umpire, who however was struck on the neck without warning by accused as he was walking through the reserve & knocked down. Constable Gleeson was present at the incident, but refused to take Amos Bradshaw in charge, as he knew him. It was only fair to say that Bradshaw had made reparation & tendered an apology. Henry Crapp was not satisfied with the apology, stating he had been knocked down & dazed by Amos Bradshaw's blow in evidence. Mr Patterson, P.M. stated this conduct of this kind must be stopped. If any man should be protected, it was an umpire - a man whose duties were most difficult. Amos E Bradshaw was fined 40/, in default 14 days imprisonment & ordered to pay E3/10/6 costs. |
Geel - News of Week | 23rd July | 1904 | 12 | ASSAULTING AN UMPIRE - Police Court outcome, H Crapp against Amos E Bradshaw The informant, Henry Crapp represented by Mr Bowman proceeded against Amos E Bradshaw on a charge of unlawful assault. The Court case was held on Tuesday 19th July at Geelong Police Court. The defendant pleaded guilty. Field umpire Henry Crapp was appointed to the Geelong v Carlton match at Corio Oval on 9th July. At the finish of the match, which ended in a draw between the two teams, there was a small demonstration against the Field umpire, mostly by youngsters. As the Field umpire was walking through the reserve he was struck without any warning on the neck by the accused & fell on the pathway. The defendant had made all the reparation possible & had tendered an ample apology. Henry Crapp gave evidence that he was struck in the face without warning by Amos Bradshaw & was dazed for a moment by the blow. He did not hear him say anything & never saw the man to his knowledge before. He was satisfied with the apology made. Amos Bradshaw was fined 40/-, in default 14 dats imprisonment with E3/10/6 costs. Mr Patterson, P.M. remarked that a man be brought up again on a similar charge, he would be sent to goal without the option of a fine, for it was a very serious offence. |
Herald | 21st July | 1905 | H Crapp involved with Constable talking to Fitzroy player v Coll match During the progress of the match between Collingwood & Fitzroy at Victoria Park on 1st July, a constable spoke to one of the Fitzroy players, Field umpire H Crapp told the constable to mind his own business as he was in charge of the match. The incident was referred to VFL committee & they have been deputed to see the Chief Commissioner of the Police in regard to it. |
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Herald | 22nd June | 1906 | H Crapp nearly returns to Victoria Henry Crapp, the former Victorian Field umpire who went to Western Australia before the 1906 Football season was almost determined to return to Victoria the other day. He had made arrangements to do so, but a few hours before leaving by boat. Mr J J Simons, (Secretary of the Western Australian Football Association) prevailed upon him to remain at a fee of L4 4s per match. H Crapp was allowed to umpire mid-week matches also which would give him about six guineas a week. |
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Sporting Judge | 7th Oct | 1916 | H Crapp returned to Victoria to watch Junior Football Association semi final & how he got into umpiring On 30th September, a notable spectator at the Junior Football semi-finals was present. It was the famous VFL umpire Henry Crapp. Apropos of this undoubted "Prince of arbitrators", Mr Bob King, (Fitzroy Football Club Time keeper) tells us how Henry Crapp got into umpiring. It seems that Henry Crapp, when playing for Fitzroy Juniors club against Union Jack club in 1893, he ricked a knee & decided to drop out of active participation in the game as a player. He later heard that the Junior Football Association required another Field umpire to complete it's complement. H Crapp was induced to apply & ultimately became one of the final half-dozen from whom choice was to be made. The persuasive powers of Mr Bob King at the time, overcame the opposition & eventually Henry Crapp received the vacant berth. |
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Western Argus, Kalgoorlie (WA) | 29th Jan | 1924 | 17 | OBITUARY - THE LATE "IVO" CRAPP Football held a lifelong interest for "Ivo" Crapp & in the capacity of central umpire he attained a degree of skill which stamped him as a prodigy & one who was without peer in the history of the Australian game. Temperament is just as important & because he was gifted both in this respect & in the technical sphere, was Henry Crapp finally to earn the title of "Prince of Umpires." Henry Crapp set a standard of umpiring which could not possibly be excelled. His skill in interpretation was equalled only by the force of his personality. Henry Crapp never permitted the ugly element to enter into a contest, infact it never looked like doing it, so kindly but firm was his control of the players. "Now then Ladda!" was a cry made familiar by him, shouted to some headstrong impetuous footballer. It brought him to his senses in an instant. Henry Crapp would not tolerate anything that savoured of unsportsmanlike tactics & it was his wonderful personality which accounted in no little degree for his success & popularity. Another habit, which he early acquired, was that of accompanying a penalty with an explanation of the reason for the decision. "You pushed him ladda" or "Push behind," he would tell the transgressor & spectators as well. Henry Crapp got to understand the ways of the footballer & they admired him no less than the spectators delighted to see him in action. Henry Crapp, for sometime had experienced heart trouble, which brought about his sudden death last week. |
Northern Standard, Darwin(NT) | 19th Feb | 1924 | 2 | DEATH OF "IVO" CRAPP, A GREAT UMPIRE Widespread regret was expressed on all sides when it became known that Henry "Ivo" Crapp, one of the finest central umpires in the history of Australian League football , had died at his residence at 69 Carr street, West Perth. The announcement of his death came as a shock to thousands who had from time to time, watched the "Prince of Umpires" as he was aptly described, display his masterly skill on the field. Born in Carlton, Victoria Henry Crapp umpired many matches in the Victorian Football League before he came to Western Australia in 1906, to fulfil an engagement on the goldfields, but it was not long before he was a familiar & popular figure on the football field in the metropolitan area. He left the goldfields evidently with the object of returning to the Eastern states, but he was intercepted in Perth where he umpired a match in which West Perth was concerned & he so aroused the enthusiasm of everyone by his briliant exhibition as central umpire that the Western Australian Football League secured his services. Henry Crapp's sportsmanlike tactics, his wonderful personality & his skilful interpretation of the rules won for him thousands of admireres. When the first ever Australian Football Carnival was held in 1908 at Melbourne, Henry Crapp was appointed coach of the Western Australian team & under his able guidance, they were particularly successful finishing second to Victoria team. Henry Crapp retired at the end of 1919 season. He spent the two Football season coaching the West Perth Football club. His services to the club earned him Life membership. While in Western Australia he was employee of the Stirling street Markets in Perth. Henry Crapp was 51 years old when he passed away last month, leaving a widow & three children. |
Herald | 2nd May | 1924 | 5 | VETERAN OFFICIALS, Many Years in Game - How Henry Crapp got into umpiring by accident According to Bob King, (Official Timekeeper for the Fitzroy Football club) Henry "Ivo" Crapp became an Field umpire by accident. Playing for Fitzroy Juniors against Union Jack in the Victorian Junior Association in 1893, he kicked at the football & missed it, which resulted in his knee being wrenched. H Crapp had to look on for the rest of 1893 season & was offered a position to Field umpire in Junior Football Association in 1894. |
Sporting Globe | 10th July | 1935 | 12 | When Umpires had to fight for Safety by H J Nugent "Bunny (Former Field umpire & Ex-President of the VFL Umpires' Association) - Comment from Ivo Crapp Henry Nugent managed to meet "Ivo" Crapp many years ago & asked him what would one require to be a successful umpire. Henry Crapp reply "Get yourself into first-class condition, learn the rules thoroughly, be fearless & prompt with your decisions." |
Sporting Globe | 14th Sept | 1935 | 7 | Jack Joseph "Dookie" McKenzie (former Essendon player 1901-1902 & Melbourne player 1915) says Prince of Umpires was Ivo Crapp "Umpiring my first few games according to the letter of the book. I made an unholy mess of things. Pals & critics told me my display was rotten. Disappointed & worried, I ripped the rule book to pieces & scattered it's pages to the wind. I decided to handle matches, taking common sense views & not caring for the consequences. I was never interfered with by officials, nor would I have tolerated it." Those were the words from the Princes of Umpires Ivo Crapp, when "Dookie" McKenzie asked him how he made good as a Field umpire. Ivo Crapp took "the bit in the teeth" & allowed common sense to guide him in arriving at decisions. He was the master of ceremonies from the moment he donned his white uniform & every player in the League knew it. He was more than an umpire, he was the best coach the game has seen. He coached the two teams in every game he umpired, & had no favorites. When playing for Essendon, "Dookie" McKenzie thought of Ivo Crapp as a "little tin god." His charm of manner, tight grip of a match, fairness & firmness kept him on a high pedestal of fame, on & off the field. One reason for Ivo Crapp's greatness as an umpire was, because he anticipated thoughts & actions of players. He could stop cunning old players from employing their tricks & at the same time correct errors in the play of new men in a side. Players were not game to mess him about. Such an act would bring a look of scorn that would make the player feel as big as threepence. In addressing their teams before going out to play, captains used to tell their players that Ivo Crapp had the whistle & everyone had to play the game & cut out staging. It was a compliment that the great umpire never knew was being paid to him. Ivo Crapp was physically, mentally strong & endowed with great pace, he umpired matches from a position that gave him a good field of vision. He made a practice of familiarising himself with the name of every player & there was no mistaking who was awarded the free kick & who was the offender. He could be heard giving a decision something like this: "Take it Smith, against you Jones for tripping!" In a match where new men were included in a side, Ivo Crapp would ask captains to point out recruits & tell their names. He never forgot. He considered it was his business to remember names & faces. He once told me that all footballers were his pals & that it was right & proper to know the names of friends. Ivo Crapp was a great ambassador to the game & was responsible for the game attracting it's patrons, because the way he made men play it, which made the match a fine spectacle. |
Sporting Globe | 29th Aug | 1936 | 8 | Rod McGregor (former Carlton player, 1905-1920) says "players called umpire Ivo Crapp, THE BOSS" Players of my time looked on Field umpire Ivo Crapp as "The Boss." Not that he bullied players or even showed them up, but beneath his quiet control was that silent strength that comes from a strong personality. You were always conscious of his grip & power. He was the terror of evil doers. Under Ivo Crapp you went out with your mind made up to play football. If you did that, you got what you deserved, no more & no less. I feel sure that Ivo Crapp's influence on many young players directed them along proper lines of conduct on the field. One of his chief characteristics, which I remember well was his quiet control of the game. He had little to say, but he brooked no argument. He gained respect & merited it. He was tall & stood well among big men, which is certainly an advantage. The few words he had to say were spoken in rather a drawling fashion. If he said a thing, it was so. That was the end of it. Ivo Crapp capability in all respects gained him the title of our fairest umpire, although it might have been better to say "the most competent." |
Sporting Globe | 19th June | 1943 | 4 | Ted Rowell's memoirs No.8 - Ivo Crapp outstanding umpire - Great success (Tells the story of how he got his respect & the nickname "Ivo") Ted Rowell (Former Collingwood player between 1905-1915) tell us that in his football days, I found that outstanding umpires were few & far between. The most capable I think was Ivo Crapp. There were two Crapp brothers who were famous, one as a great player for the Carlton Football Club in VFA (William) & the younger one (Henry) as the great umpire of his period. They were both known to the sporting world as "Ivo." Henry was given the nickname after his elder brother had retired from playing football. William Crapp had got the nickname "Ivo" from his close facial resemblance to the English cricket captain, Hon. Ivo Bligh (8th Earl of Darnley) who visited Australia in 1882/1883 as the first ever English cricket captain to play an Ashes series on Australian soil. Known also as Harry Crapp, he stood 6ft. 1in. He had great success as a Field umpire in matches as he had the skill of keeping players well in hand. Players & onlookers would be informed promptly & clearly why the free kick was given. Henry would often call out "Round the neck, holding the ball, push behind, cut that out or enough of that" The consequence of this action was that there were fewer infringements of the rules & fewer free-kicks to hold up play. His strong personality seemed to instill respect into the players with the result that his decisions were seldom questioned. At the end of 1905 VFL season, Harry went to Perth & umpired for several years there. After retiring from umpiring in 1919, he played bowls for two years before being asked by football officials to come out of retirement to officiate in 1921 Australian Football Carnival held in Perth. His comeback after being out of training for sometime took toll of him physically & he died a comparatively young man in January 1924. |
Sporting Globe | 7th Oct | 1944 | 5 | Fitzroy memories by Harold "Lal" McLennan (Former Fitzroy player 1907-1919 & current President of Fitzroy Football club, 1944) - "Ivo" Crapp was the Best", recalls Mick Grace shaking H Crapp's hand with mud on it Lal McLennan recalls an incident with Field umpire Ivo Crapp in the 1900 Grand Final between Fitzroy v Melbourne at East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 22nd September. One of Ivo Crapp's free kicks that day was given against Fitzroy's Mick Grace. Mick Grace had just fallen in a heap of mud & when he jumped up, one of his hands was full of mud. Mick Grace decided to make a great gesture of shaking hands with Ivo Crapp. Ivo Crapp slung the mud off his hand in great disgust. |
Newspaper | Date | Year | Page | Details |
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Herald | 12th June | 1903 | H Carter Field umpiring matches in Western Australian Association this season | |
Herald | 20th April | 1928 | 13 | H Carter, former VFA & VFL Field umpire, has returned to Melbourne after living in Western Australia 24 years. In 1890, H Carter played for the Essendon Football Club's second 20 in VFA. In 1892, he had a run in the Essendon's first 20. They played 20 a side before the VFL was formed. |