17 April 2022 | Tennis Victoria

Congratulations to Victorian Ande Hutchinson who has been awarded Life Membership of Tennis Officials Australia.

Andy is a long serving member of the officiating community. Viewed by his peers he is a lasting example of all we want in an official and set as the expectation for new officials to aspire to become.

Ande has given both on and off the court over his career, namely as a high performing line umpire, he also achieved ITF Bronze Badge Chair umpire and White Badge Referee status and has been a coach/educator in all disciplines.    

As a high performing line umpire, he has been at 36 consecutive Australian Open’s, all whilst holding a AAA rating for over 30 years. A feat that may now never be repeated in future official careers. He has worked a massive 102 grand slam finals across all events – men’s, women’s, mixed, wheelchair and juniors.  Whilst he has not been out of Australia too often, he did work at numerous US Summer Circuit Finals and selected for two Davis Cup and one Fed Cup final.

Ande also demonstrated his skills most notably as a chair umpire working through as many as 60 Pro Circuit/Tour finals and some AO finals in Juniors, Wheelchair singles, doubles and Legends matches. A highlight for Ande was a match on Rod Laver Arena which featured Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe in a packed stadium.

Many of the newest/current officials know Ande as a Referee and the respect he has from players, parents and the tennis community at large is felt immediately when you are a new official. Ande has held an ITF Referee Badge for 30+ years and most of his experience in this field has been gained from ITF Senior and Junior events. 

Ande is always eager to explain why things happen or what rule is best applied. H is a team player and shares his knowledge and experience in the hope it will further the respect of the whole officiating team, whether it is a commonly held opinion or not he is raw and honest.

Congratulations Ande!