Every year since 1992 the British Baseball Federation and more recently ABUA-GB have presented an award to recognise outstanding commitment and  dedication by an umpire during the previous season. The emphasis has always been on individual performance and striving to be the best that you can be rather than placement in any relative ranking system.

In 2003 a new award was presented by ABUA-GB in the name of Ted Gerard-Thesingh, an umpire from 1971 to 1995. Ted's umpiring career was cut short by serious injury, meaning his achievements on the field had not, until now, officially been recognised.

Between 1992 and 2002, the "umpire of the year" was presented the Norman Houghton Trophy. Here is the list of recipients of that award