THE WHITE KNIGHT
Finals 4 - 5 2011
Another season comes to an end today, after eight months of hard work on the training track. Our fitness coaches, Jamin and Finn, have provided us with a diverse and (mostly) enjoyable training schedule to ensure that we are at peak fitness for the “one day in September”. The White Knight congratulates all umpires who have been successful in getting a “big one” and wishes them well for their matches. The White Knight also congratulates everyone who has put in on the track during the year only to miss out on a Grand Final. Hopefully, your turn will come next year.
The SFLUA Committee has continued to work hard to build a real “club” atmosphere on training nights, as well as two big nights at the Highett RSL and, of course, our monthly Saturday pizza nights. Kevin Mitchell has again managed the ordering and selling of uniforms as well as organising all our trophies, and, along with Ross McNeill and Peter Martin, has been a regular umpires’ advocate at the Tribunal. He richly deserves his second “Best Clubman” award.
Peter Martin has fitted in his presidential duties in between his playing commitments with South Yarra veterans, Steve Gelsi has ably managed our finances, Jo Cripps has maintained the Minute Book, Ross McNeill has ensured that justice was delivered at the Tribunal, and Luke de Munk and David Cormie have helped out whenever needed. Carmel and Nigel Thompson have again managed the bar after training as well as supplying delicious dim sims, and, with the help of the Dingley Sport & Recreation Club, provided delicious roast beef rolls after training last week.
The White Knight thanks the Umpiring Department: Scott, PM, Jeff, Jamin, Finn, EJ, Smithie and Barry for their efforts during the year. We also thank our dedicated trainers, Natalie, Simona, and Amandene for looking after us so well this year. Thanks must also go to the SFL Administration, Wayne, David, Kingsley and Maree, who go out of their way to look after our umpires.
At the Appointments Night on Wednesday, a number of umpires received awards:
The Graeme Bertram award for excellence in umpiring and an outstanding contribution to the Association over an extended period again went to Steve Gelsi for his outstanding achievements on the field (nine A Grade Grand Finals at last count) and off the field (as an outstanding Treasurer), the Best Clubman trophy went to Kevin Mitchell, while the Most Dedicated Umpire Award went to Brandon Bitting who has been a great example on the training track as well as on the boundary every Saturday Other awards were:
Golden Whistle award – Jack Thompson
Best 1st Year Field Umpire – Troy Wood
Best 1st Year Boundary Umpire – Fraser Sommerville
Best 1st Year Goal Umpire – Jacob Duscher
Most Improved Field Umpire – Kelly Williamson
Most Improved Boundary Umpire – Ben Priggen
Most Improved Goal Umpire – Daniel Forge
There will be free refreshments and pizzas back at Bricker Reserve from 5.45pm after the Div 1 Grand Final while there will be nibblies and refreshments at our AGM at 7.30pm on Wednesday next at Bricker Reserve and we urge all umpires to attend.
The White Knight wishes all umpires a restful off season and hopes to see you all on the training track next February.
Remember that:
“We Bounce, We Blow, The Rules We Know”
The White Knight