RV Umpires Commission Awards & Recognition

The recent Rowing Victoria Umpires Commission Annual Lunch brought together members of the rowing umpiring community to recognise outstanding service and long-standing contributions to the sport.
Andrew Guerin and Mark Brown were awarded Rowing Victoria Umpires Commission Life Membership in recognition of their exceptional and sustained service to rowing.

Andrew Guerin OAM 
Andrew Guerin (pictured left) has made a uniquely broad contribution to rowing as an athlete, coach, administrator, umpire, and historian across club, state, national, and international levels. He has been an international umpire for more than 30 years, contributing directly to the conduct of elite racing at the highest level, and has served as Chair of the Rowing Australia Umpires Committee.
His involvement extends well beyond officiating, including significant leadership in governance and development within Australia, where he has helped shape standards and support the ongoing growth of elite rowing. He has also served as a team manager at all levels, including at two Olympic Games and multiple World Championships.
In addition, he has contributed as a photographer, historian, and trustee, helping preserve the sport’s legacy. He is a life member of the Mercantile Rowing Club, Rowing Victoria and Rowing Australia and a recipient of the OAM in recognition of his outstanding service to rowing.

Mark Brown
Mark Brown (pictured right of Andrew) has made a valued contribution to rowing umpiring across club and state regattas over many decades. A familiar and trusted presence, he is widely respected for his sound judgement, consistency, and commitment to the grassroots of the sport, helping to ensure fair, safe and well-run racing.
Equally, Mark is known for his warm and approachable nature, making him a well regarded colleague and friend to many within the umpiring and wider rowing community. His contribution reflects not only dedication to officiating, but also a strong connection to the people and culture of the sport.
Mark’s involvement in rowing began as a coxswain with Carey Grammar VIII crews, and he has since held a wide range of leadership and service roles within the Yarra Yarra Rowing Club, including long service as a member of its Committee of Management, Vice Captain, and Social Secretary. He is Patron and life member of Yarra Yarra Rowing Club, reflecting his longstanding commitment to both the club and the broader rowing community.

Service Recognition
Alastair Shaw “Ag” (pictured) received a 10-Year Service Award in recognition of a decade of dedicated service to rowing umpiring.
Lisa Brown received a 5-Year Service Award in recognition of her growing and valued contribution to the umpiring group.

Together, the award recipients represent a strong cross-section of the local rowing community, with Andrew’s ties to the Mercantile Rowing Club and Melbourne Rowing Club, the Browns to Yarra Yarra Rowing Club, and Alastair Shaw to both Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club and Barwon Rowing Club. Through their continued officiating, they provide valuable service to both their clubs and the wider rowing community, supporting the sport across regattas at all levels.

Interested in Umpiring
For those interested in becoming involved in rowing in a different capacity, more information on becoming an accredited umpire can be found here: https://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/education/umpires
Enquiries can also be directed to: newumpires@rowingvictoria.asn.au

Angelique Drew