THE Northern District Football Umpires Association’s longest serving secretary/treasurer received one of the group’s major accolades at the weekend.
Scott Bourne became the 22nd life member of the association during the umpiring body’s presentation night, held at the Kerang Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday.
Bourne received the honour from fellow life members, Peter Howden and president, Brent Howden, in recognition for his commitment to the group.
On-field, the 33-year-old has officiated 210 games since joining the group at the start of the 2006 season, including the past 11 Golden Rivers Football League senior grand finals in the goals and three AFL Victoria Community Championship matches, adding to a decorated seven-year career with the Southern Umpires Association.
However, it is Bourne’s off-field work with the group that led to the accolade.
Peter Howden described Bourne as “one of the best secretaries he has ever come across in footballing circles”, a comment that left the Gannawarra Times journalist speechless.
“I do what I do as a way of giving back for all the help the association has given me,” Bourne said.
It was also a special night for Brent Howden, with the association’s president receiving the Wally Head Senior Umpire of the Year Award and the inaugural GRFL Most Valuable Umpire Award, judged by the competition’s clubs.
Tom Cook – who spent the season officiating either as a field, boundary or goal umpire, received the Ross Frantz Junior Umpire of the Year Award, with last year’s recipient, Emiel Morvell presented with the Golden Whistle Award.
Alex Brown received the Logan Mathers Memorial Boundary Umpire Award, with Byron Thompson presented with the Trevor Nicholson Memorial Goal Umpire Award and vice-president, Graeme Cathie announced as the Bill Thies Clubperson of the Year.
Brent Howden, Brendan Shields and Wayne Hall received the Barry Knowles Award for officiating the GRFL senior grand final, with Morvell (field), Tacy Bacon (boundary) and Leonie Garner (goal) receiving the best first year/most improved umpire in their respective disciplines and Darcie Cummins announced as the best first year umpire.
