Polosak Named NSW Official of the Year

NSWCUSA member Claire Polosak has been recognised as Sport NSW’s Official of the Year at the 2022 Champions of Sport Ceremony, held at the ICC Convention Centre in Darling Harbour last night.

The award celebrates a stellar 12 months for Claire including a Test match debut and officiating at the Women’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games amongst other men’s and women’s international fixtures.

Last summer she stood in each of the formats in the women’s international series between Australia and India, including her Test debut on the Gold Coast before then officiating ODIs and T20Is between Australia and England.

At the ICC Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand, she was in the middle for six matches, including the semi-final between South Africa and England in Christchurch, overseeing a further three matches as TV Umpire.

In Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, she found herself on-field for three fixtures, and oversaw two as TV Umpire, including the Bronze Medal Match between England and New Zealand.

In Vanuatu in September, she made her Men’s T20I debut, officiating at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifier – standing in six matches at the round-robin tournament.

Last week she was involved in the WBBL Finals Series, on-field for the Eliminator, TV Umpire for the Qualifier and on-field for Saturday’s Final.

Claire’s impact off field has been just as significant, she continues as an umpire educator, mentor and administrator, working closely with more than 20 female umpires active across New South Wales.

Cricket NSW’s Head of Competitions & Officiating, Darren Goodger said of Polosak’s recognition, “Claire is an outstanding, humble person and has had a wonderful year with her umpiring.

“She is such an advocate and ambassador for NSWCUSA, CNSW and all match officials, particularly female cricket umpires. We congratulate Claire on receiving this award, a deserving recipient.”

The full list of Award winners from the night are:

• Athlete of the Year: Stephanie Gilmore (Surfing)
• Athlete of the Year with a Disability: Lauren Parker (Para-triathlon)
• Young Athlete of the Year: Valentino Guseli (Snowboard Halfpipe)
• Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability: Jasmine Greenwood (Swimming)
• Masters Athlete of the Year: Janelle Delaney (Athletics)
• Team of the Year: Penrith Panthers (Rugby League)
• Team of the Year with a Disability: ParaMatildas – Cerebral Palsy Women’s Football Team (Cerebral Palsy Football)
• Administrator of the Year: Baz Wedmaier (Volleyball)
• Coach of the Year: Alex Stewart (Athletics)
• Event of the Year: Netball NSW Senior State Titles (Netball)
• Official of the Year: Claire Polosak (Cricket)
• Organisation of the Year: NSW Rugby League (Rugby League)

Photo: Claire Polosak with the Active Xchange Official of the Year Award at the 2022 NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony // Sport NSW