Australian netball’s most decorated umpire, Michelle Phippard has been named the 2019 Lorna McConchie Umpire of the Year at the Australian Netball Awards.
Receiving the accolade for a second time, Phippard has been recognised for her outstanding performances on court and unwavering commitment to the development of umpires off the court.
Named after one of the sport’s greatest pioneers, Lorna McConchie, the Umpire of the Year award shines a light on those providing a significant contribution to the game.
Finishing the season at the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, Phippard also notched up her 100th national league.
High Performance Umpire Manager Jacqui Jashari is thrilled to see Michelle recognised with the award after an exceptional year representing Australia at an international level.
"Michelle has a very professional approach to her umpiring and sets the bar high as an athlete and committed official of the game," said Jashari.
"It is rewarding for Michelle to receive the award as I know how much she, and all of our high performance umpires sacrifice to be the best in the world."
First picking up a whistle at 12 years old, the Sydney mum of three has now spent more than 20 years umpiring at the elite level.
As one of the countries most experienced and respected umpires, it is Phippard’s dedication to her role on court and within the sport that makes her so remarkable.
Fellow umpires Georgina Sulley-Beales and Rochelle McKee also wrapped up a successful year after making their Suncorp Super Netball debut and achieving their All Australia (AA) awards, Australia’s highest umpiring accreditation.
The AA award reflects excellence in umpiring, where professionalism, accuracy of decisions, reaction time between infringements and decisions, levels of communication and umpiring techniques are all closely scrutinized.
