VAFA announces Umpire Rising Star Award in honour of Ben Austin

The VAFA is proud to announce the creation of a new award recognising the best young talent in our umpiring ranks, with the perpetual ‘Ben Austin Umpire Rising Star Award’ to be awarded for the first time in season 2026.

The award will be voted on by the VAFA’s Umpire Operations Manager, and the Head Coach of each umpiring discipline – Boundary, Field and Goal – and will be presented at the VAFA Awards Night at season’s end.

Ben tragically passed away during the off-season after being struck by a cricket ball.

He had just completed his first year as a VAFA boundary umpire, showing great commitment and skill to be appointed to the Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final at the tender age of 17.

Such a prestigious appointment would usually be reserved for a more senior umpire; however, Ben was ahead of the curve and thoroughly deserved such an opportunity.

The Austin family is pleased that the award is named in Ben’s honour.

“We are honoured with this award and look forward to presenting this to the deserving winner,” said Ben’s father, Jace.

“Tracey (Ben’s mother) and I are so honoured that this award has been thought of, as Benny had only been in the VAFA system for one year. It really shows Benny’s character and work rate to be acknowledged and remembered. We think it’s just amazing.

“Benny absolutely loved boundary umpiring; it was equal with playing footy and cricket. He was totally focused and trained to eventually make VFL and AFL level.

“He loved long-distance running and would at times get public transport on Saturdays to where his umpiring game was. Benny loved the running part and being involved in footy, and knew this was his pathway to get to the highest level.”

Ben epitomised the VAFA’s mantra of ‘For the Love of the Game,’ and his passing deeply saddened so many in our community.

Across Round 1 this weekend, Ben’s VAFA family will honour him with a minute’s silence before every game. All umpires will also wear black armbands to pay their respects.