Volunteers are at the heart of Netball and every little bit of help counts when it comes to providing quality Netball experiences for the 140,000 players nationwide.
As the season approaches, Netball New Zealand's Volunteer Advocate, Hayley Griffith, says Centres, clubs and schools are now asking people to put their hand up to volunteer and make the game a success in their own community.
"Netball currently has over 12,000 coaches, over 2,000 umpires and countless numbers of volunteers in administration roles - they give so much to our game, and they tell us they love what they do," she says.
Griffith says it's important we acknowledge that there is a place for everyone to gain the benefits from volunteering - even those that feel they don't have the time available.
"Life is busy but it's the smaller roles that make our game run smoothly - recording the statistics, managing the central timing system, sending out the draw, being a taxi-driver, washing the uniforms, organising the quiz night, packing representative team bags, handing out bibs and balls - there really is a role for everyone," she says.
Sport NZ research (Finding and Keeping Volunteers) highlights that sport volunteers benefit in varying ways when they contribute - it helps people build social connections, share knowledge, increase hauora, and gain new skills.
"But most of all they do it because they have a passion for the game," says Griffith.
If you would like to gain the benefits from volunteering this season, please get in touch with your local centre.