In July of 2024 at the World University Championships in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, our own Phillip “Fritz” Fraser started his last race as a World Rowing umpire. 

Phil has reached the mandatory retirement age and his involvement with international competition was acknowledged with the presentation of a plaque from World Rowing.

Phil’s distinguished career began in 2009 when he received his FISA (now World Rowing) licence. He has served as a member of the Jury at the following regattas:

2011 World Cup, Hamburg, Germany

2012 Under 23 Championships, Trakai, Lithuania

2013 World Cup, Sydney

2014 World Cup, Sydney

2014 World Masters Championships, Ballarat

2014 World Championships, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2016 Rio Olympics

2017 World Masters Games Lake Karapiro, New Zealand

2017 International Universities Rowing Regatta, Chengdu, China (Chief Referee)

2018 International Universities Rowing Regatta, Chengdu, China (Chief Referee)

2019 International Universities Rowing Regatta, Chengdu, China (Chief Referee)

2019 World Masters Championships, Sarasota, USA

2019 World Junior Championships, Tokyo, Japan (Technical Officer)

2019 World Masters Championships, Budapest, Hungary (Technical Officer)

2024 World University Championships, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

I was told that, after the start of his last international race, in Rotterdam, the boat holders and those on the start pontoon rose and faced the start tower and applauded Phil as one - a moment that may have caused a tear or two to be shed.

Rowing Tasmania is fortunate to have Fritz involved in our sport as a BRO, a mentor and one who is willing to help in the setting up of Lake Barrington for State and Nationals events.

Thank you, Phil, for all that you have done for our sport. - ROB PRESCOTT