The Frank Leverett Award

The Frank Leverett Award was created in 1992 and is the most presitguous honour to be bestowed on an Association member. The award acknowledges a member who has provided outstanding and meritorius service to both the Association and umpiring in the Canberra region. Nominations are called for in June and the award may only be conferred to a maximum of one member per year.

Background

Frank Leverett umpired from 1969 until the end of the 1988 season and, in that time, became the first Field Umpire to officiate in 300 First Grade Men's matches - a record that still remains for the Field Umpire discipline. He served as President of the Association in 1972 and was made a Life Member of the Association in 1978. Following his long and distinguished umpiring career Frank also served as a member and Chairperson of the AFL Canberra Tribunal.

Nominations

Members of the Association can submit nominations to the AFLCUA Executive of potentially worthy recipients for the Frank Leverett Award at any time during the season. The Executive will review the nominations it receives and will confirm the eligibility of any nominees for consideration by the AFLCUA Membership. The criteria for nominations and conferring of the award, along with some of the most recent successful award nominations, can be found at the end of this page after the list of award winners.

Frank Leverett Award Winners

Criteria for Frank Leverett Award nominations

• The Award is to recognise and honour outstanding and meritorious service to both the Association and umpiring in the Canberra region.
• ‘Meritorious service’ can be interpreted broadly as seen fit by the Membership. For example, it could involve either consistent service over an extended period of time, or extraordinary service on a specific project or activity.
• A person must be a current Member of the Association to be eligible to receive the Award.
• A person may receive the Award multiple times.
• No more than one person may receive the Award per calendar year.

Process for conferring the Frank Leverett Award

• Nominations are to be open at all times, however the Committee should formally solicit nominations at a time they determine is most appropriate.
• Nominations must be received by 31 July in order to be considered in that calendar year. Nominations received after that date will be considered in the following calendar year.
• Nominations must be made by a Member of the Association and seconded by another Member of the Association.
• Members cannot self-nominate or second their own nomination.
• All nominations will be reviewed by the Association Committee so as to confirm the eligibility of the nominations for consideration by the Membership.
• Should a member of the Committee be the nominee, nominator or seconder, they shall be excused from any discussions about 'Eligible Nominations'.
• The ‘Eligible Nominations' will then be presented for consideration to current Members in a secret ballot, which can be held at a time and in a manner as determined by the Committee.
• If there is only one 'Eligible Nomination', a secret ballot simple-majority vote will be held by current Members to determine if the Award is conferred on the nominee.
• If there are multiple 'Eligible Nominations', a secret ballot first-past-the-post vote will be held by current Members. The ballot will contain all Eligible Nominees and a 'None' option. The Award is conferred on the nominee that receives the most votes, or will not be conferred if 'None' receives the most votes.
• In the event of a tied vote the President, or in their absence the Vice President, of the Association will cast the determining vote.
• The award, if conferred, is then presented at the Annual AFLCUA Presentation Night, or similar alternate event.

NOTE: 'current Members' includes Life Members (both Active and Retired).