Gisborne Netball Centre's latest life member, Debbie Hutchings, says she feels "humbled" to be acknowledged alongside others she admires and respects. Photo / Murray Robertson
Gisborne Netball Centre's latest life member, Debbie Hutchings, says she feels "humbled" to be acknowledged alongside others she admires and respects. Photo / Murray Robertson
Gisborne Netball Centre life member Debbie Hutchings played her midcourt part in High School Old Girls' successes over the years, then continued her contribution to the game as an umpire. Photo / Paul Rickard
Hutchings enjoyed plenty of success with the club, including being a part of its Caltex Cup national campaign in the early 1990s.
She played representative netball in various age groups throughout her playing career.
Hutchings took up the whistle in Gisborne in 2007 when she attained her centre badge for umpiring.
This will be the first season since then that she has not controlled a game.
“I’ve decided to have the season off due to ageing joints,” said Hutchings, who has been working for years at Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti, now known as Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti.
Hutchings told the Gisborne Herald she had been part of the game here almost all of her life.
“It’s in my blood because my mother Kaye [Glover] was such an outstanding player in her time and she stepped into umpiring herself once she finished playing.”
Hutchings said umpiring was an opportunity for her to give back to the game.
“I always took a lot of pride and pleasure out of playing and, likewise, since I picked up the whistle.
“I have always enjoyed the challenge of umpiring in order to give players the best and fairest chance at their game.”
To be recognised with life membership was “humbling”.
“To sit alongside people who I have always admired as a life member is so special.”
Aside from netball, Hutchings remains committed to her CrossFit endeavours.
