Students enjoy chance to give back to the ‘game’
Hickman siblings happy to take charge
NETBALL/RUGBY: It’s a profession few people are willing to take up.
But for siblings Miah and Addison Hickman, the opportunity to referee matches is just as enjoyable as playing the sports they love.
And despite their busy schedules, Miah (netball) and Addison (rugby union) are not ready to slow down any time soon.
Taking up the whistle at 12, Miah hasn’t looked back – taking charge of local, regional and state level matches.
“I’ve been umpiring since I was in Year 6,” she said.
“It (umpiring) was a requirement for all representative players at my club (Highfields).
“I really enjoy it and because it’s helped me gain a better understanding of the game I think it’s helped make me a better player.”
It’s helped empower the 14year-old TACAPS student.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s under-9s on a Saturday morning or if I’m reserve umpire for State League,” she said.
“I approach every game with the same amount amount of passion and dedication.
“And if the players or coaches in State League are getting out of hand, I tell myself I am not just a 14-year-old girl.
“I am powerful, I am confident and I will make the right decision in line with the rules.”
Miah is also waiting for news about umpiring commitments in the near future.
“I’ve applied to be an umpire at the National Deaf Netball Club Championships,” she said.
“I think that would be very exciting and a great opportunity for me to give something back to the game.”
Addison Hickman’s approach to refereeing is exactly the same as his sister’s.
“It doesn’t matter if you are refereeing under-13s or older men – every game is special,” Addison said.
“So it is important that you try to give your best performance every time.”
Addison is also very confident when it comes to policing the rules of the game.
“You need to have an open mind when you’re refereeing,” Addison said.
“You’re watching everything that’s happening and you have to be pro-active.
“The biggest thing we’re taught by the DDRRA is communication.
“When you’re really watching the game you can see players trying to bend the rules.
“You give them a little warning before they do anything wrong and hope they do the right thing.
“But sometimes you just have to blow the whistle.”
And with the GPS rugby season in full swing, Addison is also hopeful he will be kept busy.
“I was referee for a Downlands 16s game recently and hopefully I can pick a seconds or thirds game,” he said.
“I’m hoping to be involved in the Risdon Cup finals as well.”
‘‘ IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU ARE REFEREEING UNDER-13S OR OLDER MEN – EVERY GAME IS SPECIAL. ADDISON HICKMAN