Injured in 1912, Topping applied to become a field umpire with the VFL. He was accepted and placed on the senior list. Initially appointed to a number of country matches, his first VFL appointment was Fitzroy v. Essendon in round five.
Following an injury in 1912, Topping sought to become a field umpire with the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was accepted and added to the senior list. Initially assigned to several regional matches, his first VFL assignment was Fitzroy v. Essendon in round five.