Michel ‘Simmo’ Simpson

Michel Simpson moved to South Australia in 2014 coming from Western Australia where he had been an umpire for 35 years. ‘Simmo’ as he is better known by all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him, has umpired at all levels of football in Western Australia and amassed a career tally in the West of 714 games.

‘Simmo’ originally took up umpiring partly because he loved football and being a man of aboriginal heritage, he felt that he had a natural affinity for the game. It was also a chance for him to make a stand against racism and to gain respect and acceptance in society. As an indigenous person ‘Simmo’ often felt he was looked down on and treated as a third class citizen. With a whistle in his hand and in umpire’s uniform he walked a bit taller having gained both self esteem and respect.

Since arriving in South Australia ‘Simmo’ has joined the Eastern Eyre Football League Umpires Panel. Always keen to give back to the game, ‘Simmo’ umpires junior football in Whyalla on Sunday’s. In 2015 ‘Simmo’ umpired the Mid West A grade grand final at Streaky Bay (This match can be seen on ‘YouTube’). ‘Simmo’ has built up a great rapport with the players in Eastern Eyre and is very popular among his fellow umpires. The lights burn well after six pm in the umpire’s room post match when ‘Simmo’ holds court telling tales of umpiring, his aboriginality and his life experiences. As good as his umpiring is, ‘Simmo’ can spin a great yarn.