Written by Jay Bryce, 2024 BV Rookie Reporter Program

As a basketball reporter for The Shepparton News, a volunteer commentator for the Big V Shepparton Gators and a volunteer writer for Basketball Victoria through the Rookie Reporter Program, I’ve had courtside seats to the power of volunteerism within basketball.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I want to spotlight the unsung heroes of our basketball communities- not only in my hometown of Shepparton but across all basketball communities in Victoria.

The role of volunteers in basketball stretches far beyond the visible efforts on game days. From community basketball to elite athletes within Big V and NBL1 South, our sport is made possible by the dedication of those who give their time without any expectation of reward.

These volunteers are coaches, event organisers, and even the players themselves who mentor younger athletes. Their commitment not only makes game and league scheduling and operation logistically possible but also fosters passion and love for the game, which makes the sport more than a sport.

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It is a community, a home, and a safe space for many.

In my town, this community attitude to the sport bridges gaps across different age groups, levels and sometimes generations. Each Big V game day transforms into a bustling hub of activity long before tip-off. Family members, players, and local enthusiasts volunteer to set up the venue, manage ticket sales, and run the canteen.
Their involvement is crucial in turning these events from mere competitions into community gatherings that celebrate the love of basketball.

The influence of these volunteers extends beyond adults to impact the younger generation. Many of our semi-professional players at the Shepparton Gators spend hours volunteering to run skills camps or training sessions for juniors. This helps develop the sport’s future stars and builds a nurturing environment that underscores the values of teamwork and community. It also gives the kids role models and positive influences within their lives and communities beyond inaccessible celebrities or sportspeople.

At the junior level, volunteers work hard to run clubs, referee and score games, coach teams and more. Many of these people have a background in the sport and are willing to lend their experience or skills to help the game grow.

Many of these people also have zero interest in basketball.

They do it for the community off the court, whether it be parents coaching and just showing up for their kids or just people from the wider community volunteering their time to make the sport possible.

Some volunteers stand out and are revered and thanked for their work. But a lot of them are invisible.

People may not realise the extensive planning and coordination required to organise domestic competitions or the effort it takes to ensure junior tournaments run smoothly.
These tasks are frequently handled by parents and local sports enthusiasts who dedicate their evenings and weekends to the sport they love, or the sport loved by people they love.

Basketball relies heavily on these volunteers, especially in areas across regional Victoria. Their creativity and dedication allow our communities to engage in basketball.
Traditionally the sport has been considered less popular than other sports like football, however plenty of communities and associations across Victoria have outgrown their stadium or number of courts, with consistent growth in participation suggesting otherwise. Because the running of basketball is all year round and in some instances more challenging than other sports, it has required community members to step up and fill those voids.

That is why I think basketball is so special in Victoria and Australia - it’s not made possible by stadiums, jerseys, hoops or backboards - but by people. To all aspiring journalists and sports enthusiasts, consider volunteering and getting involved in your local association.

Whether you’re commentating, coaching, scoring or doing something else, your involvement and contributions help keep the ball bouncing.

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