John Trait

John Joseph Trait (1859–1906) was an Australian rules umpire and is considered to be the best umpire of the code from the 19th century.

Victorian Football Association umpire Trait umpired his first game on 22 July 1882 in Geelong in a match between the Geelong and South Melbourne. Despite the travelling side losing, their captain, Mat Minchin, congratulated John Trait after the match, saying: "You are the best umpire we ever had at Geelong".

Trait was considered one of the best umpires in the Victorian Football Association, and was known as "The Prince of Umpires".

Personal life Trait's life was beset with many tragedies. He was widowed, and his only son and one of his four daughters also predeceased him; additionally, the financial state of his business as an aerated-water manufacturer suffered, possibly because of his extended period of poor health that required frequent medical attention. It was this illness that ultimately took Trait's life, rendering his surviving three daughters orphans.

Trait died at his home in Geelong on 2 November 1906, aged 47.