This week we shine a spotlight on one of our wonderful ERNA volunteers Melissa Fratzia who is a member of the ERNA Umpire Committee. We recently caught up with Melissa to ask her a little about volunteering with ERNA.
How long have you volunteered for ERNA?
Not entirely sure, I have been with Flames helping in some capacity for about 14 years, and I joined the ERNA umpire committee at some stage while I was umpire convenor for Flames. Maybe on committee now for 5 years.
What are some of the Committee positions you have volunteered in at ERNA?
I joined the ERNA umpire committee and have assisted the coordination of umpires in various roles within that committee.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for ERNA?
Mostly I love working with new umpires, getting along side of them and encouraging them. I love to see umpires enjoying themselves and being the best they can. Sometimes umpiring can be hard especially when you are trying to put it all together as a beginner, and some positive cheer from team white goes a long way to developing confidence.
Are you also a member of one of our affiliated clubs? If yes, which one?
Yes, Carlingford Flames. I coach and umpire each Saturday.
Did you play netball growing up? Tell us a few memories of your netball years….
I played netball in high school but was pretty terrible because I was short and more academic than sporty. I later played netball in uni and was very fit so enjoyed it much more. Sadly I was sidetracked by playing touch football for many years, and only came back to netball when my own children began in netty. I don’t play anymore following an ACL injury 8 years ago, but that was the beginning of my umpiring and honestly I love umpiring more than playing.
What positive things do you like about our new home of netball?
Level courts – definitely a reduction in ankle injuries. Also, there is so much more room between the courts. So umpires can run the side line without running into drink bottles, stray children and other random hazards. I also love that the AA teams are now the ERNA Sapphires. They look great in their uniforms and are such a great bunch of players – the highlight of my day is umpiring them at 3:20pm.
