A commitment and drive to be successful has helped Nicholas Frost obtain Gippsland Umpires Association’s top award at Saturday’s presentation night held at Drouin Golf Club.
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The Tom Bibby Memorial award for best club person also proved a highlight, with a four-way tie occurring for just the second time in the Association’s history. Gillian Legge, Jeanette Heywood, Sandra Morgan and Bruce Pratt were all awarded for their tireless work, which has extended over a number of years.
The Golden Whistle award is designed as an encouragement award for an umpire who has a desire to pursue an umpiring career within their umpiring group and league.
Frost has been in regular communication with the GUA coaching group this season, culminating in an appointment to his first Ellinbank District Football League senior grand final and a subsequent nomination for state league trials.
The Golden Whistle award has been established for more than 27 years and is recognised as a prestigious award in the umpiring fraternity throughout all states and territories throughout Australia.
Consistency from pre-season to the final weeks of September saw field umpire Brayden Hoskins awarded most consistent umpire.
The award takes into account both on and off field performance each week in a continual cycle, and acknowledges an individual who takes pride in individual efforts while also ensuring team performance remains at a high standard.
Hoskins has also been nominated for state league trial, along with AFL Gippsland umpire of the year winner Niall Thompson and 2015 Golden Whistle recipient Alec Bedford.
Stephen Shields impressed with his fitness and willingness to listen and learn in taking out the best first year field umpire award. Shields has been accepting of “speed humps” along the journey and has a bright future in umpiring.
Noah Pallot’s drive to succeed in umpiring helped him obtain the best first year boundary umpire award. Pallot has a burning desire to umpire at the top level and will continue his rapid development with involvement in next year’s Umpire Academy program.
Best first year goal umpire Megan Vistarini has excelled since crossing over from boundary last season due to a foot injury. Vistarini shows great professionalism in her umpiring and is highly respected by her umpiring colleagues.
Such has been her rapid progression that she performed admirably among the best young goal umpires in country Victoria after being a late call up to officiate at the under 15 state country championships.
All first year umpires were recognised for their development over the course of the season, with each receiving a certificate.
The Community Bank branches of Neerim South, Bunyip, Lang Lang and Koo wee rup announced their continued support on the night, with the GUA continuing to direct their sponsorship towards the development of its first year umpires.
For GUA coaching staff, the most improved field umpire was a decision that was made easier as the season progressed and was cemented during the finals series, with Tim Price the recipient of the award.
A positive attitude and determination helped Kaleb Hermansen take out the most improved boundary umpire award. While Hermansen also has other interests outside of umpiring, sacrifices made to his other chosen sport early in his umpiring career has helped his development progress rapidly.
Andrew McKenzie’s rapid development saw him awarded with the most improved goal umpire award. McKenzie’s drive to succeed at his craft saw him progress to obtain a senior grand final appointment in just his second year of umpiring.
Brett Fisher’s positive interest in umpiring saw him awarded the first of three encouragement awards presented in each umpiring discipline. Fisher’s wide range of involvement within various sporting disciplines and an understanding of commitment required have helped in fast tracking his development as a field umpire.
A positive attitude and involvement in community projects led Kohen Lott-Stephens to being awarded the encouragement award for boundary umpires.
Not only has Kohen been a supportive team member at the GUA, Kohen is making strides outside of the club. Kohen was recently the youngest participant at a community defibrillator demonstration day.
Paul Hermansen was the recipient of the encouragement award for goal umpires. While apprehensive about taking up umpiring at first, Hermansen was given the push he needed when having to cover for a senior pre-season match and has been quick to find his feet at the level.
Umpires were also recognised for their selection to umpire representative football and meeting accreditation requirements, while the many volunteers that help the GUA operate efficiently received gifts.
Jess Mills had previously received the prestigious Ray Barwick Memorial award for an up and coming panel member at the Association’s recent life member’s dinner. It was part of a big season for Mills,
Gippsland Umpires Association also used the night to thank its outgoing major sponsor with a presentation to Viatek representative Tim McGibney, while the GUA also welcomed its new major sponsor the Warragul Downtowner.
Last Modified on 08/12/2016 16:34