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year , which came as a total surprise to him . “ I had no idea about the award , I literally got an invitation handed to me and was told I needed to attend this function ! I had no expectations and didn ’ t even know there were categories for volunteers . I don ’ t do it for recognition , it ’ s not what I ’ m in the sport for ,” Shaun said .
Not only does he referee ; he also looks after the younger refs and helps to set them up to make a success of their roles by creating programs to make getting ready for events easier .
“ I ’ ve been working with young refs who ask me to show them how I prepare for games . I created pocket cards , which is basically a checklist in their pocket ,” he explained .
“ Once they have done everything on the checklist they can put it away . It helps stop the pregame stress by covering all the things they have to do before the game and leaves them free to think about the refereeing .”
Shaun also mentors youngsters who he meets through basketball . He is currently mentoring seven people , from the ages of 16 – 23 and enjoys helping them navigate the difficulties they face .
“ I do it because these kids have asked for my help . They have got to know me through basketball and at some point I must have given them some good advice , because they keep coming back !” Shaun laughed .
“ Helping them is a big thing for me . I ’ ve helped one with practice interviews so they can enter the workforce for the first time with a bit more confidence . Sometimes I just spend time with them ,
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not talking about anything in particular , just letting them vent and get all their issues off their chest . If I can ’ t help with a particular issue I try and point them towards people who can .”
Shaun has taken his love of sport and mentoring to a new level with his recent appointment to the role of general manager of a sports management business . His role will see him working with the West Sydney Wolves to help them develop their sporting school ’ s program ( www . sportingschools . gov . au ) and get children to be more active .
The program is government run and any school can apply for funding for the sport of their choice . He was thrilled to be given the chance to take on this role .
“ It is my dream job , and after talking with my wife , Eliza , I couldn ’ t resist accepting it ! I was gobsmacked and felt so privileged to be considered for the role , never mind getting it .”
As if these roles weren ’ t enough to keep Shaun busy he is also studying for an MBA . I was amazed that he could fit it in to his schedule . Shaun ’ s response ?
“ I don ’ t sleep ! I ’ m not tired and like to keep myself busy . It ’ s rare that I spend a lot of time in front of the TV ,” he smiled .
The last thing I asked Shaun about was advice for people who want to get involved in the community in some way , whether it is through sports or some other activity . His response to the question was fantastic .
“ Volunteering is not for everyone , but it ’ s so worth it . A true volunteer is selfless . I was prepared to get coffees , just to be part of it , and do my little bit to make things
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Doing what he loves ... refereeing basketball .
easier for the kids . If you are interested , reach out and that ’ s it .
“ A lot of clubs are looking for volunteers , they need people to do the score bench , wash the uniforms , fill up water bottles . These jobs are what we call the 1 %’ ers and all need to be done to let the team be effective .
“ They are not glamorous jobs but are vital to the team and as a ref , I would probably do 50 to 60 1 %’ ers myself before
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I get started . Making sure the court is safe to play on and checking the score board is working are just two examples . It ’ s these small jobs that volunteers are the best at and can gain so much satisfaction from doing to help the rest of the team .”
If , like Shaun , you would love to be part of a team , either refereeing , helping with the small jobs , or playing a game , go to www . hillshornets . com . au and see what ’ s in it for you .
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