Kim Cotton named New Zealand Umpire of the Year

Kim Cotton was named New Zealand Cricket Umpire of the Year on the final day of the virtual New Zealand Cricket Awards. The award was the perfect way to cap off what has been a meteoric rise for Cotton through the officiating ranks over the last few years.



Debbie Hockley, NZC President, had the honour of presenting Cotton the award, following a season that saw her become the first female umpire from New Zealand to stand in an ICC World Cup final when she took the field in Melbourne on March 8.



“It’s been a busy journey, but I’ve absolutely loved it,” Cotton reflected on Friday (May 1). “I was a bit surprised to be asked to do the Final - it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere and the noise was unreal. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and it was so great to be part of.”



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Cotton, who still practices as a lawyer, is in her tenth season of officiating and said her passion for umpiring is as strong as ever.



“I’ve been doing it for a while, but I still absolutely love it. There’s something new every season. There’s always something exciting happening in various games whether at club or international level."



“I thought I had a good season this year and I think a lot of it comes down to constantly umpiring cricket," she said.



“Through the Super Smash period I would be lucky to go four days without umpiring on the field. It kept my routine going and my eyes and ears focused.”



New Zealand Cricket awards - Day 4



New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Kim Cotton