Volunteer of the Month: March

Our March instalment of 'Volunteer of the Month' acknowledges Pam Langshaw. Pam is most commonly seen on our score bench at SBL homes games however for years she has volunteered her time and effort behind the scenes to make our SBL season run smoothly.

Pam works tirelessly with Basketball WA, Basketball Australia, FIBA Oceania and federations from around the world, to make sure all our players are cleared, signed, and ready to play as soon as possible. This ensures Willetton Basketball provides one of the best SBL experiences in the state.

When and how did you get involved with Willetton Basketball?

I have been involved with Willetton basketball since 1986 when I was volunteered (by my husband Marcus who was already on the Junior Committee) to be the Registrar for that Committee!  At that time Marcus was playing Seniors (he still is!!!!) as well as being avolunteer on the junior committee.  Our two sons were 5 and 6 years of age and already very keen to play basketball so it looked like it was something that we were going to be involved in for a long time to come.

What your activities and what do they involve (around Willetton)? 

This is my second "stint" as the SBL Administrator.  In total I have done this role for 11 years so far.  This means I take responsibility for all the Administrative jobs involved in having two semi professional teams compete in the State Basketball League.  I handle all the contracts, Immigration Paperwork for overseas players as well as co-ordinating the jobs, helpers and roles involved in putting together a minimum of 13 home games each season.  I also have a second role in that I am a Nationally accredited Scorebench official and I co-ordinate Willetton's Scorebench for the SBL.  I've been a "Scorer" for 23 years and co-ordinator for around 20 years - all at Willetton.  As part of that I also handle training at the stadium.  Over the years I run many training courses, especially for WABL parents.  When we introduced the use of computer scoring in all our domestic competitions a couple of years ago, with Stuart McDougall (last month’s Volunteer of the Month), we ran over thirty training sessions for the junior domestic competition and also supported its introduction to seniors.

What motivates you to stay involved? 

I get to work with and meet some wonderful people and help many players and coaches achieve their ambitions of playing and coaching basketball at a high standard.  My efforts help put together a program that a lot of supporters get a lot of enjoyment out of.  In addition as I have had to give up paid work because of health reasons, my volunteering role allows me to still use my brain, and gives me a reason to get out of bed every day without tying me to be at a desk at a set time which I unfortunately find difficult.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that WBA does? 

It provides a career path in the sport of basketball for players, coaches, referees and others in an organised, friendly and safe environment.  For those who just want to play basketball it provides this opportunity as well.

Why do you volunteer?

Because as much as I put in, I get more back.  I love it.

Of what contribution or achievement are you most proud? 

Probably the introduction of Stadium Scoring on computers.  This was such a radical change from the old score sheets and everyone, referees, coaches, parents, office staff etc were all very frightened at the thought of having to deal with it.  Despite some small hiccups along the way, I believe this was a much smoother transition than anyone envisaged because of the amount of training that we undertook.  When it was implemented in WABL, Willetton Scorers handled it with aplomb because of the work that we had done with our domestic roll-out.

What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? Long term? 

In the near future I hope that we can continue to run a successful program in all areas at Willetton  domestic, WABL and SBL, and dare I say another two SBL Premierships in 2015 would be nice!  In the long term, that we are able to achieve the growth and development that a subcommittee are currently working on which will double the number of courts at Willetton allowing us to continue to be one of the leading, if not the leader, in the sport of Basketball in Western Australia.

Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement? Providing Inspiration?  

As my husband Marcus, who is a Willetton Life Member, continues to be a volunteer at Willetton, we strongly support each other’s involvement. I know I certainly couldn't do what I do without his support.

Do you have an anecdote about this cause/organisation that really moved you? 

I don't have an anecdote, but I have been moved many times over the years by players who, when they first sign an SBL Contract, are so excited to have finally achieved their dream of making the SBL team.  In this instance I am not talking about the "stars of today" but rather the "stars of tomorrow", who know they might not even get on the court yet but are just happy to be able to wear the SBL Polo shirt that identifies them as an SBL Player and they can continue to dream of and work towards being an integral member of the Tigers team. 

What other organisations or causes do you support?  

Because of our family’s long involvement with basketball, my involvement is mainly around the sport.  I am a volunteer for the West Coast Waves and act as Back-up Games Commissioner.  Marcus' main involvement these days with basketball is as the Head Statistician for BWA.  He needs a second person, so when no-one else is available or able, I call the stats for the computerised program that he does the inputting for.  Over the past few years this has taken us to Broome, Port Hedland, Darwin, Alice Springs and Albany to name just a few places.  This is not including all the SBL venues around the state where we seem to go on a regular basis.  I also volunteer for National Championships for Scorebench and Statistics.  The past few held in Perth has seen me do both jobs, the only person in WA who has been doing both roles.

Do you have a message to share? 

Don't hesitate to put your hand up to be a volunteer.  Willetton is a wonderful supportive club and you will get far more out of your involvement than you can ever put in.  You don't need to do as much as I do.  There are lots of small jobs that require someone to help with.

 

Thanks to Pam’s efforts, Willetton consistently ranks among the top venues for SBL gameattendance and in 2014 we were the highest ranked metropolitan venue. Pam’s enthusiasm drives players and coaches to give their best during the season, and ensures that spectators are left with a memorable SBL experience.




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