Their role is one of the most onerous in sport but when the going gets tough, the whistle keeps blowing, so it was with great pride that the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) honoured Western Australia’s top referees, umpires, scorers and timers at the 2008 Official of the Year Awards.
17 November 2008
A special ceremony was held at the Sheraton Hotel Perth on Friday 31 October to pay tribute to those officials who have excelled in their field of sport, recognising excellence in performance and dedication to their respective codes.
DSR Officiating and Coaching Consultant Jacqui Jashari said officiating was one of sport's most crucial areas, however those in the role were not always acknowledged and recognised for their achievements.
"We don't often stop to place a value on those who control the game, yet without their contribution, fairness in sport would simply not exist," Ms Jashari said.
"Many of those who were awarded the top prize on the night have not only acted in their official capacity, but have also made significant contributions to the development of their sport and individual athletes.
"Their work also results in benefits at a local level with recent research showing that sport helps to create stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities."
Thirty-two officials were acknowledged in the Official of the Year category in sports ranging from archery and lacrosse to motor sport, netball and wheelchair sports. For a full list of awardees and their sports, see table below.
Each sport had the opportunity to nominate their Official of the Year, and their peers from all sports acknowledged each nominee.
Sports also had the opportunity to nominate up to five people for Commendation Certificates in categories such as Rookie of the Year, Youth Official of the Year and Service Award, which resulted in an additional 113 commendation certificates being awarded.
The Official of the Year Awards were established in 1999 to recognise and reward officials for their outstanding contribution to sport in WA.
|
Sport |
Official of the Year |
Suburb |
|
Archery |
Keith Schurmann |
Woodanilling |
|
Athletics |
Marion Buchanan |
Woodvale |
|
Australian Rules football |
Gavin Statham |
Hillarys |
|
Baseball |
Ryan Harder |
Tapping |
|
Basketball |
Natalie Moiler |
Swan View |
|
Calisthenics |
Linley Campbell |
Ardross |
|
Canoeing |
Arnold Drok |
Ardross |
|
Cricket |
Ian Lock |
Carine |
|
Cycling |
Janet White |
Hillarys |
|
Diving |
Raelene Lyon |
Duncraig |
|
Football (soccer) |
David Currie |
Woodvale |
|
Hockey |
Dan Johnston |
Gosnells |
|
Ice hockey |
Matthew Taylor |
Nedlands |
|
Ice skating |
Kylie Yacopetti |
Riverton |
|
Masters swimming |
Hilary Arber |
Redcliffe |
|
Men's lacrosse |
Evan Walters |
Toodyay |
|
Motor sport |
Andrew Percival |
Thornlie |
|
Motorcycling |
Paul Foster |
Parkwood |
|
Netball |
Dianne Williams |
Stirling |
|
Pistol |
Brian Harvey |
Cloverdale |
|
Pony club |
Sean Corbin |
Gidgegannup |
|
Rowing |
Lynne Bayliss |
Daglish |
|
Rugby Union |
Daylen Waetford |
Greenwood |
|
Squash |
Pam Addison |
Bayswater |
|
Surf life saving |
Robert Welch |
Duncraig |
|
Swimming |
Alf Matthews |
Wongan Hills |
|
Taekwondo |
Raffaele DiRenzo |
West Leederville |
|
Tennis |
Sue Tribe |
|
|
Touch |
Grant Hill |
Success |
|
Triathlon |
Frank Stapleton |
West Perth |
|
Volleyball |
Danielle Francis |
Rivervale |
|
Wheelchair sports |
Rod Hislop |
Maylands |
