Name: Chris Arnold
Age: 61 years
Club/Association: Narembeen Netball Club
Role: Coach and Corrigin & Districts Netball Association Board member
Give us a snap shot of what your volunteering role(s) consists of:
I started my coaching as a junior coach way back in 1984 and then, since 1988, with the exception of two years (2014 & 2015) I coached the senior A1 side for Narembeen in the C & DNA Association. In 2014 & 2015, I still coached, I just didn’t coach Narembeen 1. I also played in this side until the end of 2017 (again with the exception of 2014 & 2015).
I have also coached for the past 8 years, all of the other sides (A2and B grade) that Narembeen fields in the senior competition. Narembeen 1 won 20 premierships in a row, undefeated from 1994 – 2013 inclusive. Although I did not coach them they won in 2014 and lost for the first time in 22 years in 2015.
I took on the role again in 2016 and we have won the last four A1 Premierships, making it 25 in 26 years. This year, I coached Narembeen 1, 2, 3, & 4, with all four sides making the grand final, Narembeen 1 in A1, Narembeen 2 in A2 and Narembeen 3 & 4 played a derby in the B grade. This year was a record for us as although we have won the three grades in one year previously, this year our three sides were undefeated during the season. I also go down to our junior 13 & Under training each week and run the skills session before handing over to the game day coaches for the last 20 minutes of the training run. I am a badged umpire and do a small amount of umpiring but I am generally coaching every time slot. I am the Narembeen rep on the C & DNA Board and in 2018 I was Vice President. I have coached at both association and regional level in the past.
Why did you start volunteering, or more specifically, the role of coaching?
As a teacher who has taught in the PE area (although a Science specialist) I was interested in coaching and started at a reasonably young age and just never gave it up! I started as a junior coach in 1984 and enjoyed it so much took on a senior side in 1986 taking over the reins of the A1 side in 1988. I also played, being a member of the Narembeen A1 side for decades as well as playing in association teams and even a year in state league. Being a playing coach was what I enjoyed but now find being on the sidelines and coaching just as satisfying. I am passionate about the game, the role I have and the club I am involved in. At a junior level, I coached from 1984 (well before I had children involved) through to 2004 before becoming just the skills coach – opting out of game day as my children had finished playing and I loved having an impact on these young players.
What do you love most about volunteering?
I enjoy the interaction with the players, building confidence in new players and watching them improve their skills and understanding of the game. I have loved seeing our club go from strength to strength over many years.
How has being a volunteer benefitted you?
I have enjoyed building life-long friendships and strong relationships with netballers in Narembeen, from our up and coming 18 year olds to those that are continuing to pull on the uniform at 50. I believe I am continuing to learn and adjust game tactics and strategies as the game changes, so it keeps you active mentally as well as physically.
What piece of advice would you like to pass on to new or current volunteers?
Enjoy what you do! Don’t worry about mistakes you may make, it is all a learning curve and everybody understands that. Have broad shoulders as a coach, as there are times when there are tough decisions to be made and you will never please all of your athletes all of the time.
Build rapport within the team, it is all about the team!
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