Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Boyle awarded IFNA Service Award
By Netball Australia
Netball Australia would like to congratulate Maureen Boyle who has recently been awarded an International Federations of Netball Associations (IFNA) Service Award. A Life Member of Netball Australia, Boyle’s career as an umpire spans over 30 years and began at the age of 12. Earning her ‘C’ grade badge in 1968 Maureen had been elevated to ‘AA’ by 1977, marking her as one of the youngest ever to receive this prestigious award. During and since that period of time Boyle became legendary as one of the outstanding contributors to Netball umpiring. Her consistent excellence on court and her impressive personal achievements are equally matched, if not exceeded, by her selfless and complete commitment to umpire development, both in Australia and throughout the regions of the IFNA. The international respect for Boyle’s ability was clearly demonstrated by her appointment to officiate the 1998 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal match between Australia and New Zealand, an appoiNtment which now serves as the pinnacle of her career. Since announcing her on-court retirement in February 2000 Boyle’s commitment to umpire development continues as it has always been, completely selfless and always with the best interests of the players and the game uppermost in her teachings.
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