Queensland referee Kate Jacewicz has been named the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Referee of the Year (Women) at the AFF Awards, held in Hanoi, Vietnam on Friday.

In another outstanding year, Gold Coast-raised Jacewicz made history by becoming the first female referee appointed to the Hyundai A-League Referees Panel, enabling her to officiate in both the Westfield W-League and the Hyundai A-League.

She also took charge of her ninth Westfield W-League Grand Final in February of this year, officiating the decider between Sydney FC and Perth Glory.

Melbourne-based Jacewicz has already reached great heights in her refereeing career, named the Westfield W-League Referee of the Year a record eight times, and was this year appointed to officiate at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup where she was one of 11 referees retained for the final phase of the tournament.

FFA Chairman and Chair of the FFA Referees Committee Chris Nikou said Jacewicz was extremely deserving of the award.

“Kate is one of the world’s finest referees and thoroughly deserves this award,” Nikou said.

“Whatever the game, whatever the level, she is a model of consistency and class.

“Her work on the pitch is a reminder to us all just how vital referees are to the lifeblood and wellbeing of our game.”

Congratulations to Kate on the significant achievement.