Erik Ralph's journey to becoming the Port Macquarie Basketball Junior Referee of the Year, and discovering a dream of being an international official, started by chance.
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The 16-year-old was playing basketball in the Port Macquarie competition and they needed someone to fill in as a referee for a match.
Erik stuck his hand up to fill the void and it began an incredible 13-months for the Melville High School student.
Erik continued to referee at the Port Macquarie league for fun but he was quickly being recognised for his ability to officiate matches and was invited to take on further responsibilities.
Erik began to referee National Junior League, State Championship, State League matches and at representative carnivals.
The Year 10 student has travelled across the state to referee basketball games every weekend for the past three months and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
"I just love it, I want to be involved in the game and sport and this is the best way to do it," Erik told the Argus.
"My goal next year is to referee school games at a national level, which is known as the Australia School Championships, and to continue to learn and improve."
Erik wants to continue to develop and learn as a referee and has a dream of becoming an umpire for the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) and at an international level.
"I would love to one day referee at an international level and to referee NBL games," Erik said.
"But I know there's a long way to go."
Erik said his greatest refereeing achievements to date are officiating the State Championships Division One Under-16s grand final and the National Junior League Division One boys Under-16s grand final.
Kempsey basketball players compete in the Port Macquarie competition as there isn't a local league.
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