Glasgow Wildcats

Tributes to "The Hoff" Mon 13 Jun 2011, 11:57

Tributes are being paid to Fiat Netball Superleague umpire Lucas von Hoff who has died suddenly at the age of 30.

The popular Australian had moved up to the top flight for the first time in the 2011 season and was planning to push on with the whistle for the next few years.

It’s believed he suffered heart failure, he was with a friend at the time and although an ambulance was called, staff were unable to resuscitate him. Just a few of the tributes being made to the Aussie show how well thought of he was.

"I am devastated," admits colleague Gary Burgess. "Not only has England Netball lost a promising official who had the makings of being a great International Umpire, but for me I have lost a great friend, a confidante and someone who had the ability to make me really laugh. My thoughts are with his family and his thousands of friends."

General manager of the FIAT Netball Superleague Andy Crook has expressed the thoughts of many: “We’re very shocked and saddened by the sad death of Lucas and want to extend our sympathies to his family, friends and the umpires who worked so closely with him.

“Lucas stepped up to the FIAT Netball Superleague for the first time this year and was making good progress with his career, he was looking at a great future in the game.”

EN Board Member and member of IFNA MAP Bill Alexander has described the whistle-blower as “a total gentleman” adding: “Lucas will have touched the lives of many of us with his gentle manner, dry and wicked sense of humour.

“He will be sorely missed as an umpire colleague and a true friend. Our thoughts are with his family, umpire colleagues and friends.”

A mathematics teacher by trade, Lucas had moved from Edinburgh to London in September 2010. In Scotland he was popular with his students who nick-named him "The Hoff".

He had taken a job at Emanuel School; headmaster Mark Hanley-Browne was full of praise for his recruit: “As a teacher Lucas was engaging, encouraging, creative, patient and calm.

“As a colleague he was a breath of fresh air, fun loving and entertaining and had an excellent sense of humour.”

Netball fans may not have realised that their umpire was also a world-class Touch Rugby referee and was due to be a referee at the World Cup next week: it’s thought he had spent Sunday refereeing at a Touch Rugby tournament.

Lisa O’Sullivan