Logan ref is official of the year
Wednesday, July 11, 2012Ashleigh Howarth | 10th July 2012 The Reporter
BASKETBALL has always been a big part of Debra McGowan's life.
Since she was a kid, the Windaroo resident has both played and refereed her favourite sport.
Her love for the game and almost 40 years experience refereeing on the court helped her secure the title of Basketball Queensland Female Official of the Year.
"It was quiet surprising to find out I had won," Mrs McGowan said.
"I have always loved to referee and I love working with the junior referees.
In addition to officiating local sporting matches, she also travels interstate to umpire representative games.
As a Basketball Queensland Junior Competitions Commissioner (BQJCC) for referees, Mrs McGowan is responsible for training and observing up-and-coming officials.
"I have eight basketball associations in south east Queensland I look after," she said.
"I look after Logan, north side, Carina, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Runaway Bay, south-west Brisbane and Graceville.
"As Basketball Queensland's commissioner, I am responsible for making sure young referees are meeting the set criteria set out by Basketball Queensland to make sure the games were overseen by appropriate aged refs.
"I try and get out to as many associations as I can every Saturday."
This was the first time Mrs McGowan had been selected to receive the award, as chosen by Basketball Queensland officials.