Garry Kaine to officiate 700th footy match this Saturday

The 59-year-old field umpire will officiate his 700^th game on Saturday; he said it would be no different from any other match he's been a part of.

"I'm looking forward to just spending the day with people I've had a lot to do with over the years and have helped me on this special journey," he said.

"I take these things in my stride - it's another game, there's two teams playing, I've got a job to do.

"Umpiring's been great over the years, to me it's just another game and 700's really just a number."

He'll cover this weekend's NTFA game between South Launceston and Deloraine alongside NTFUA director Nick Kaine; the two have shared the ground multiple times over the years.

"He's been an enormous supporter of mine since he was five years old," Garry said.

"He used to follow me around in the games - he took it up himself about 15 years ago, it's been a good ride for us - we've both kept each other going."

Garry said one of his most cherished games was the NTFA grand final from two years ago that he did with Nick.

"That was a huge highlight for both of us really," Garry said. Nick said his dad was and will always be highly regarded in the Tasmanian footballing community.

"As just a member of the association, I don't think anyone can be more proud of what he's achieved throughout his career, let alone this milestone," he said.

"He's seen as somewhat of a pinnacle, [he's] very well respected amongst the umpiring community, amongst the players as well.

"He just brings an X factor to the group and he's well-respected because of that."

Garry was a 14-year-old athlete when he was first introduced to umpiring, formally debuting as an 18-year-old in 1980.

"It helped my running career - that was ultimately the catalyst for me getting involved - I've been involved from then and I've had a wow of a time," he said.

Grand final appearances are just as highly regarded by umpires as players, according to Garry, who has 10 NTFA grand finals as well as three TFL seniors grand finals.

"As an umpire, that's [grand final] what I strive for, I've been lucky enough to do quite a few over the journey," he said.

Garry was also part of the officiating crew at the 1991 State of Origin footy match against Victoria.

"It was a mid-week game in North Hobart, I think they had 14,000 people there - there was a fair bit of hype after Tassie won the year before," he said.

A 700-game resume carries with it plenty of boos and hisses from disgruntled fans, but Garry never paid it too much heed to it.

"I actually use the criticism as a trigger to get better and improve - none of us are perfect," he said.

"I think of it more as advice rather than abuse and it allows you to get better."

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.