Albury Netball Association stalwart Lee Shipard has been recognised for her outstanding service to the game in the region with a state award.
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Shipard was honoured at the Netball Victoria Community Awards in Melbourne for her tireless efforts in netball umpiring.
She was also an excellent player in her own right, representing the Northern Territory at the Australian Championships before moving back to Albury in 1988.
Approaching her 50th year of involvement in netball (20 as a player, 30 as an umpire) in 2018, Shipard was surprised, but very appreciative of the award.
“You can’t play the game without umpires.,” Shipard said.
“When I came back to Albury in 1988, that’s when I started mentoring and helping other umpires.
“I have still been umpiring at Ovens and Murray level, but it’s now time to start focusing on others and getting them to achieve to the best of their abilities.
“We go from age 13 through to open teams, so it’s a big contribution from a lot of people in the community and a lot of it is voluntary.
“You don’t do it for the money, you do it for the love of the game.”
During almost half a century working within the sport, Shipard has witnessed great changes.
When Shipard first started playing netball at Albury’s JC King Park, all the courts were dirt.
“The game has got faster and it’s become more of a spectacle for spectators,” Shipard said.
“I’ve said I wouldn’t umpire Ovens and Murray any more because I’m getting slower and they’re getting faster,” she laughed.
“I will be mentoring umpires at a B grade badge level.
“We've got a young group of six umpires that we’re looking after and mentoring for their C grade badge.
“I think that’s where my teaching needs to go, to pass on my knowledge to other mentors and testers so they can step up when I step away.
“They’re all keen to learn which makes it so much easier.
“There always has to be someone there to help others.
“I will umpire at JC King while I still can, it’s great to keep active.”
Shipard added Albury is fortunate to have some of the best coaches in the area, including Jodie House, Fiona Boyer, Paula Carey.
House, who was this week appointed as the Wodonga Raiders’ A grade coach, was also nominated for an award.
The construction of a new building is set to commence at JC King Park next year and Shipard has committed to seeing the project through before officially stepping down from her role.