BEN Thiel was widely applauded by his peers for his efforts in officiating the Western Border Football League grand final this season.
At just 15 years of age it was a big step for the young field umpire and the South East Football Umpires League.
But there was no disappointment, with Thiel standing up to the challenge on the big stage.
That was no surprise to mentor Terry Walters, who watched Thiel grow and improve from a 10 year old boundary umpire, to a well-rounded field umpire.
Thiel started by boundary umpiring one or two games each week for three years, including A Grade fixtures.
From there Walters said it all changed.
“Not long after the end of the 2014 season I received a call from Ben saying he wanted to learn to be a field umpire and asked if I would mentor him,” Walters said.
“There was no way I was going to refuse a young man with so much get-up-and-go.”
At just 13 years of age, Thiel’s journey began in 2015, while still playing Under 15 football.
“To start his career as a field umpire, Ben had to start in the hardest grade to umpire – B Grade,” Walters said.
“He started listening and learning, with verbal feedback at the breaks and end of games.
“He took it on board and kept a folder of emails to refer to later.”
After an impressive first season, Thiel was promoted to his first senior game with three rounds remaining – North Gambier v West Gambier.
He umpired the remaining two games, then was rewarded with the A Grade first semi-final between East Gambier and West Gambier.
“He umpired very well, way beyond his young age,” Walters said.
“This was an exceptional rise for one so young and at the presentation night, he was awarded the most improved field umpire.”
In 2016 Thiel umpired all A Grade games and on school holidays ventured to Adelaide to officiate in the Under 15 School Boys Metro competition.
Walters said several officials in Adelaide commented on his standard of umpiring after just 18 months on the job.
“Later he received a phone call saying he had been selected to umpire the Under 15 Metro grand final at Football Park, which was an excellent achievement,” Walters said.
While still playing Under 15 football locally, Thiel continued to officiate A Grade games throughout the season, including finals, but could not be selected for the grand final due to his affiliation with one of the competing teams.
After the season Thiel was honoured with the Golden Whistle award from the SANFL, which recognises his potential.
From the start of the 2017 WBFL season, Thiel retired from football and concentrated on umpiring.
That decision reaped rewards, with position officiating in the Under 17 boys carnival in Adelaide, but more importantly, the WBFL grand final between East Gambier and North Gambier.
“Ben worked had to improve and was selected in the first semi-final and the preliminary final, doing well in both,” Walters said.
“Then he received the appointment he had been working for, his first WBFL A Grade grand final at just 15 years of age.
“Ben umpired exceptionally well in the grand final, justifying his appointment.”
At the SEFUL presentation night Thiel was awarded field umpire of the year, capping off his solid season.
Thiel’s ambition will become a physical education teacher and an AFL umpire.
