Snow Australia announces Adam Begg as the 2022 Official of the Year

Snow Australia congratulates Adam Begg on being named Snowsport Official of the Year in the 2022 Snow Australia Community Sport Awards. This award is presented to an official who has demonstrated excellence in their role, as well as a constant contribution to the wider officiating community within their sport and commitment to continuous training and learning.

Begg has done an outstanding job as Snow Australia's National Judging Coordinator during the 2022 domestic season. He currently serves on the Snow Australia National Park and Pipe Committee and has judged 22 domestic and international seasons over the last 16 years. Among them are two Olympic Games, a World Championship, multiple Burton New Zealand and Australian Opens, and many others. 

He volunteers during the domestic season by coordinating judging panels for Interschools events and judging at Perisher and Thredbo Park events.
 
Prior to becoming a World Cup and Olympic judge, Begg suffered a serious injury during a competition in Lake Tahoe. Due to his absence from the season for surgery and rehabilitation, he was able to start judging competitions, which he did for the majority of the events that season and continued in the following season.
 
Begg said he was  grateful to be the recipient of the 2022 Official of the Year Award. 
 
"I’m very happy to be nominated. It’s great to get some recognition for what is often a thankless job. Many people who watch do not understand the criteria by which we judge snowboarding, Park and Pipe is often overlooked. So it’s really good to be recognised along with more mainstream winter sport disciplines," said Begg. 
 
Begg thanked his wife and those who supported his journey, including Ben Hazlett, who gave him his first judging seat. 
 
"I want to thank my wife for being the most amazing wife in the world and all-around super mum for all of the extra effort she puts in while I'm preparing clinics, doing online dial-ins, organising judges, travelling for events, and supporting me as I chase my goals," said Begg.
 
"Ben Hazlett, for asking me to come and judge that first competition, which started it all. Ola Sundekvist, Iztok, Sandy, Julien, Gaz, Ryo, Brando, Philly, Carter, Andy, Betch, Marchi, Freddi and all of the crew I judged on tour, many of whom are my best friends. We have shared some amazing experiences and you have all helped me grow and learn as a judge."
 
"All of the judges coming through in Australia. Thanks for giving your time and skill so we can continue to have events and produce world class snowboarders from this country without you, there would be no pathway for athletes to begin their competitive careers."