Glenn James OAM stands out in the annals of VFL/AFL history.
As the only Indigenous field umpire in the record books, the Yorta Yorta man has earned his share of distinctions following nine seasons of top-flight officiating between 1977 and 1985, which included two VFL grand finals.
Having been recognised as a Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree last year — putting his name in the same breath as that of a man he looked up to growing up in Shepparton during Nicholls’ pastoral days — the AFL has bestowed another honour.
The league this week confirmed the advent of a new umpiring initiative that bears James’ name.
The Glenn James OAM Scholarship has been established for the purpose of helping promising Indigenous umpires follow in his footsteps and its first recipient has been announced.
Noongar man Josh James will be the first to tread the path, already serving in his discipline of goal umpiring in VFL and VFLW circles.
In a statement, the AFL outlined the opportunities Josh James would receive during the course of the scholarship, headlined by the chance to work with a designated coach one-on-one.
James will also receive the chance to sit at AFL benches to study the elite officials up close, as well as embarking on sessions in the AFL Review Centre, the base for all AFL score reviews.
AFL general manager Laura Kane expressed her pride at James’ progress in the league’s statement.
“On behalf of the AFL, I congratulate Josh on being the well-deserved recipient of the inaugural Glenn James scholarship,” Kane said.
“Josh is someone who truly embodies passion and determination. Over the journey, I have really enjoyed getting to know Josh and see first-hand his enthusiasm to his umpiring craft.
“A clear role model to our umpiring group, Josh represents our values, is respected by his peers and is committed to learn, develop and grow as an elite AFL umpire.
“Josh has shown a commitment to developing the next generation of young Indigenous umpires and this scholarship aims to support Josh with his ambitions as he expands his elite umpiring career.”