Zitina Aokuso, Inspiring the Young
We caught up with rookie referee, Meg Meldrum, who is a refereeing her first SBL season to hear about how she began refereeing. Talking to Meg it’s clear how passionate she is about refereeing and we can’t wait to see how far she takes it!
How did you first come to be involved in refereeing?
I started refereeing 7 years ago when I was 11, I started refereeing because everyone at my association did it so it was a way for me to have fun with my friends and be around the game that I love. I started getting serious about refereeing when I was 13 when I went away to my first state champs in Townsville where I was awarded the U12 Div 1 girls gold medal game. That was the starting point where I realised I could make a name for myself doing this. I have had the opportunity to travel interstate to referee at the NSW country cup which was a great experience.
What do you like most about refereeing?
For me, refereeing is a way to have the best seat in the house for games, as well as being an important part of the game. It’s a way for me to feel completely myself whist keeping fit. I also like the challenge, not one game is the same, every game is different. It also opens a lot of doorways, and creates new opportunities for your own personal development. I also love how many people I have been able to meet and now call friends. Most of all I love the person it has made me into today and where it takes me.
How does it feel to referee at your first SBL season?
I don’t think I have ever been so excited to start a season before. I am so excited to see what this season holds for me and how I can perform, but to be 100% honest it feels very different, being my first season refereeing SBL instead of playing it is a role reversal that has taken some adjusting. In saying that it also feels very humbling, knowing that I am a part of an elite panel of referees for the season.
What are you hoping to learn from this experience?
I am hoping to learn how other referees officiate games and how I can incorporate that into my refereeing. It’s interesting when you have different partners each week and sometimes you know them really well and sometimes you don’t. In saying that, I hope to learn how I can adjust and work as a refereeing team with people I haven’t met before. Being my first season, all I want to do is soak up everything everyone has to offer.
Do you have further referee aspirations?
I have many aspirations as a young referee, but a stand out goal in my mind is to make the QBL panels in 3-4 years, which will take hard work and commitment but it is something I have my heart and mind set on doing, I know I can get there.
I would also like to give a special mention to the people who have constantly been behind me and kept me determined to strive for better things. Samantha Boustead and Fiona Allen.
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