Peel footy umpire Adam Hauswirth had his efforts officiating the Landmark Country Football Championships rewarded when he was presented with the JJ Lussick award after the grand final fixtures at Claremont Oval on Sunday.
The award is given to the carnival’s top whistleblower, with Hauswirth a fitting recipient on the back of a good call in the division one final between Avon and the South West.
Hauswirth’s carnival saw him umpiring six games across three days, culminating in him getting the nod to officiate the final.
The 25-year veteran entered his 10th year at the Landmark championships simply looking to enjoy the footy, but found himself presented with his first JJ Lussick award on the back of his hard work.
The Peel Football Umpires Association (PFUA) member said he was thrilled to get the gong as the carnival’s top umpire.
“Over the carnival you put in so much work and so much running that you’re fairly worn out by the end of it, so it’s nice to be rewarded for the hard yards you’ve put in,” he said.
“You probably come under a bit more intense scrutiny at the carnival as well, so that makes getting the award a bit more special.”
Hauswirth spent three years umpiring with the PFUA before spending his next three year stint in the South West Football League.
He’s since returned to calling games in the Peel region, officiating up to four games a weekend, and says a love for the game is all the motivation he needs.
“Obviously umpiring is a bit of a thankless task sometimes, you don’t really do it for the rewards,” he said.
“I umpire because I love footy – I was always to injured to play so this was a way for me to be involved with the game I love.”
Anyone interested in joining the Peel Football Umpires Association can call Jerry Gibb on 0408 247 276.