I’ve learnt (often the hard way!) that in netball, like in life really, that there are people who ‘do’ and there are people who ‘don’t’.
As society has changed over the years so have, in my opinion, people’s attitudes and we find fewer ‘doers’ wearing many different hats!
An example would be a Head Coach taking on other jobs that others won’t do, such as arranging fixtures, organising match teas, finding officials, buying post protectors.....the list goes on.
There are many other netball examples.
We all know at least one of these people and they do it because they have a love for the game and a passion to see it succeed. Their attitude (as I am often reminded!) is, if they didn’t do it then no one else will.
My argument is, how will we ever know, if those absolute stalwarts and volunteer legends, don’t release their grip?
I have been that person and I am afraid I am not gracious or generous enough to have continued in an extremely unappreciated role. I am now, of course, very appreciative of those who do, though!
When I gave up so much of my netball volunteering, did the roles and responsibilities I have, get done? Of course they did and continue to do so.
It’s not without a lot of pain though, I do realise that!
An example of this came this season actually. I do not ‘do’ anywhere near as much as I used to - purposely. However I still seem to be coaching ad hoc, being called on at last minute to coach at matches (although for the first time ever I said ‘no’ this season!), coach mentoring (absolutely my choice as I love it!) as well as ‘persuaded’ to take control of the club’s social media. Not bad for someone who said she was just going to play this season!
I shall be doing even less next season. One of the reasons for this is the continuous lack of appreciation I feel. I put the emphasis on me as I realise it’s more my problem more than anyone else’s.
I realise there are people who do far more. There are also people who do far less.
To be asked one week ‘please can you do match teas, it’s your turn?’ was like a huge kick in the gut.
The person who asked is bound to be reading this and is herself a ‘above & beyond volunteer’. So, I will say I bear no malice at all and realise it’s no one persons fault. I just feel that there are many individuals in the team who’s only contribution during the season is one match tea - perhaps they could volunteer to do two, taking the strain of those team mates who already volunteer?
It’s been fairly easy during this lockdown period to be reflective, we have that time, after all. I possibly find it easier than others - I have used reflection a lot in my coaching.
I try not to be bitter. Netball has given me so much and one of my weaknesses is that I can take things very personally.
I think the biggest ‘take away’ for me, from lockdown, is taking things for granted! I would give anything to pick up a ball, call some mates and get to a netball court for a run around. I know, from social media, that many ‘ballers feel the same.
Do we take that very simple event of a netball match, for granted? You bet we do.
I’m hopeful that when we are back to our ‘new normal’ attitudes will again change. We will not forget this time and it will not be in vain.
I intend to volunteer to do two match teas next season as I won’t be doing anything else. Perhaps others may do the same.
I’d like to see a netball community who are more thoughtful and considerate. Players who ‘rock up and play’ (and I am not saying there is anything wrong with that!) more appreciative of the volunteers who contribute so much, to allow them to play.
I’d like a realisation to be held that the more people who contribute to organising netball activity, the less work actually needs to be done.
I think the more people who contribute, even in the smallest ways, after lockdown, the more our great game will grow and we will all see the benefits!
I think that’s something to look forward to. I think hope is positive.
Who’s with me?
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