Regardless, the thick-skinned year 13 King's High School pupil is determined to push on with his dreams of becoming a top official.
And he has made a promising start.
It is believed the 17-year-old became the youngest person to officiate in a senior game of football in Dunedin when he controlled the Northern-Grants Braes premier league fixture two months ago.
It was a testing time for the youngster and he handed out three yellow cards in his debut.
Despite the odd moment with one or two players, Hamish believes he equipped himself well.
"There was the odd word here and there but both teams seemed happy with my performance," he said, adding criticism was just par for the course.
"You learn to ignore them and just get on with the game.
In the top grades they usually just want to get on with it and play good football rather than argue with you.
"But on the odd occasion, you'll get a person who just wants to argue. You just tell them to be quiet. If they continue or use bad language you can always yellow- or red-card them."
One of the perks, of course, is you get the last say.
Hamish got his start with the whistle two years ago.
His father, Graham Philip, played for Caversham in the over-35s, and in that grade the teams were expected to provide a referee for a half each.
Hamish got the job and enjoyed the experience so much he decided he wanted to do a better job the following year.
So he buried his nose in the rule book and got a New Zealand Football level one refereeing qualification.
When he is not boning up on the rules, he hits the pavement.
To keep his fitness levels up he goes for a couple of long runs each week and does boxing training four days a week.
Otago referee Brent Best, who was one of four New Zealand referees selected for the World Cup in South Africa, was instrumental in encouraging Hamish and provided sound advice.
Hamish's grandfather, Tom Philip, was a long-serving referee, so it runs in the family and was, perhaps, the default position for the captain of the King's Second XI.
"I knew I wasn't really going to go anywhere playing football, so I thought I may as well referee," Hamish joked.
"But I really want to get as high as I possibly can."
Hamish plans to travel to Scotland next year where he will visit with relatives and hopes to continue his development as a referee.
