UMPIRES from throughout the region were recognised at the annual AFL NEB Umpire Awards held at the Commercial Club in Albury last week.
AFL North East Border umpire development manager, Mark Bywater, said the umpires awards provided a valuable opportunity to recognise the efforts of umpires at all levels.
“It’s great to be able to officially acknowledge the expertise that these people bring to our leagues,” Bywater said.
The night featured a number of award presentations, including the prestigious AFL Victoria Golden Whistle Award – presented to an outstanding young talent.
This year’s recipient was Jye Davis, who at 18 years of age has a promising future as an umpire.
Davis has shown great improvement across the year and was rewarded with appointments to the Hume vs Ovens and King Interleague match and finals matches in the Ovens and Murray seniors, reserves and his first appointment to the senior grand final in the Hume League.
The Umpire of the Year Awards were presented to field, goal and boundary umpires.
These awards are the pinnacle achievement for umpires in the region.
Last year’s Golden Whistle Award winner, Jason Raine took out the Field Umpire of the Year Award for the second time.
In 2015 Raine was appointed to 18 matches at senior Ovens and Murray level.
Bywater says Raine has continued to improve on the high standards he set last year.
“Following his appointment to the Ovens and Murray and Peninsula Interleague match, Raine was selected to umpire at the AFL Victoria Country v VAFA match,” Bywater said.
“For the second successive year, Raine was appointed to the senior Ovens and Murray grand final.
“He is a hard-working athlete and passionate about umpiring.”
A solid commitment to training paid off for Lachlan Pocock who was awarded the Boundary Umpire of the Year Award.
Pocock umpired 20 senior matches in the Ovens and Murray league, including the finals series.
Steve Goodwin was awarded the Goal Umpire of the Year Award for a second time.
“Goodwin has officiated in 413 matches to date, and draws on his experience and consistency to mentor new umpires.”
Daniel Lewis was thrilled to receive the Mark Sayers Junior Encouragement Award, in memory of umpire Mark Sayers who passed away last year.
“Mark was a great ambassador for our junior umpires by providing support and guidance,” presenter Shane Downie said.
“This award is a fitting tribute to a man who was widely respected and is sadly missed by the football community.”
At just 14 years of age, BJ Smith Junior Encouragement Award winner Matthew Whitehead started umpiring this year and progressed through the ranks to umpire during the finals series in the Tallangatta and Upper Murray leagues.
A number of new umpires were awarded including Kenleigh Paul, awarded the Best New Goal Umpire Award, and the Best New Boundary Umpire Award went to Samuel Piazza.
Up and coming umpire Aaron Semmens was awarded the Best New Field Umpire Award.
The District Field Umpire Award went to Ken Mumberson who officiated his 450th career match in 2015.
Bywater says Mumberson is a great example of commitment to the umpiring group.
Bywater added that the region was continuing to provide training and development opportunities for umpires.
“We are committed to attracting more people to umpiring, and providing them development pathways that will enable progression through the ranks, and also positively impact on all leagues in the region.”
Bywater added that those interested in becoming involved in umpiring in the future should contact him at AFL North East Border on (02) 6056 1993.
21st October, 2015.
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