WaiBOP Football Federation’s 2024 Referee awards evening was held on Saturday 21st of September in Cambridge. The annual awards recognise the dedication and achievements of our referees throughout the season.

The evening presented a number of awards, recognising outstanding performances and contributions across various categories. CK Kawana-Waugh, WaiBOP's Referee Manager, said: "Congratulations to all nominees and award winners for your efforts and hard work."

Mark Browning, WaiBOP Football Board Chairman,  said: "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all our match officials and their families for their commitment throughout the season."

Kawana-Waugh acknowledged the work of the referee appointments team. "A special thanks goes to our appointments team for their tireless efforts in assigning our football and futsal officials to senior competitions each week. Their work ensures the smooth running of our matches."

The Referee Advisory Group was also recognised for their invaluable contribution throughout the year.

The  continued success of the youth referee academy was highlighted. "We're really happy with the progress of our youth referee programmes," Kawana-Waugh stated. "This year, we had an initial intake of around 80 young officials, with many of them actively officiating junior or youth matches during the season."

WaiBOP's Chief Executive, Karyn Walters, took the opportunity to emphasise the vital role referees play in the sport. "The importance of your role in our game cannot be overstated. We understand the challenges you face, and we deeply appreciate the dedication, preparation you bring to every fixture."

As the 2024 season comes to a close, the WaiBOP Football Federation looks forward to building on this year's successes and continuing to support and develop its referee community in the coming year.

2024 Season Awards

• Rookie of the Year - Glen Morris 
• Bill Rothwell Patrons Trophy - Rob Orchard
• Peter Hawes Trophy Most Improved - Jolene Mudge 
• Alexandria MacLennon Most Promising - Dave Wehl
• Local Assistant Referee of the Year - Alan Cobby
• Local Referee of the Year - Brendon Coker
• Most Promising Youth Referee - Liam Weston
• Youth Futsal Referee of the Year - Max Fletcher
• Youth Assistant Referee of the Year - Aidan Brown 
• Youth Referee of the Year - Liam Weston 
• Personality of the Year * - Phil Rogers
• Referee's Assistant Referee of the Year * - Gordon Adam
• Referee's Referee of the Year * - Andres Castro
  [* voted by members] 
• Futsal Referee of the Year - Ben Norman 
  Ben officiated at the 2024 OFC Women’s Futsal Nation’s Cup, 2024 OFC Men’s Futsal Champions League and was second referee on the 2024 NZ Futsal Men’s Super League Final.
• Assistant Referee of the Year - Sarah Jones
  Sarah was an assistant referee on the 2023 Men’s National League – Championship Phase, the 2023/24 A-League Men’s and 2023/24 A-League Women’s.
• Referee of the Year - CK Kawana-Waugh
  CK officiated at the 2023 Melanesian Cup, 2023 South Pacific Games, 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, 2024 OFC Women’s Olympics Qualifiers, 2024 OFC Men’s Champions League, 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Article added: Thursday 26 September 2024