Inaugural Observer of the Year Award Recipients Announced
Posted: February 27, 2017 04:23 PM
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2017) – USA Ultimate is excited to announce the recipients of the inaugural Observer of the Year Awards. The observer awards program was created to help recognize the hard work and dedication of certified observers and their contribution to the sport of ultimate, particularly at the highest levels of competition.
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Observer of the Year – Laura Meyer
USA Ultimate is proud to present the 2016 Observer of the Year Award to Laura Meyer. Laura was extremely active in 2016, attending the College Championships, Division III College Championships and the National Championships. In addition to countless other games, she observed a championship game at each event. Laura was also the head observer at the Youth Club Championships and became an official observer trainer in 2016. Laura was originally certified in 2009 and has quickly become one of the strongest and most reliable observers in the program. Outside of observing, Laura coaches a women’s ultimate team and is an avid curler.
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Rookie Observer of the Year – Paderic "Paddy" Driscoll
USA Ultimate is proud to award the 2016 Rookie Observer of the Year Award to Paderic "Paddy" Driscoll. Paddy was certified in 2015 and worked his first major tournament in 2016 at the U.S. Open in Kingston, R.I. He went on to be selected to work at the National Championships in Rockford, Ill., where he observed the women’s semifinals and championship game. Paddy has quickly demonstrated a great demeanor with players and a continuous desire to improve. Outside of ultimate, Paddy is an avid fan of the Star Wars franchise and the Green Bay Packers.
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The Observer Certification Program (OCP) took on its current structure in 2005, with the completion of a standardized training manual, outlining of the training clinic curriculum and development of criteria for certification.
Each year, OCP clinics are held around the country to grow the ranks of certified observers in the ultimate community. For more information about the OCP and to find out how to get certified, visit usaultimate.org/ocp.
Have any questions or comments? We welcome community feedback and discussion made in a respectful manner. Please refrain from profanity or personal attacks, as such public comments negatively reflect on our sport and community.