SARAH Hay has been involved in many capacities with St George District Netball Association since she was nine.
She plays the game, coaches, umpires, and is a member of the association executive.
Hay started controlling matches as a teenager and has risen to a high level as an umpire.
She is now one of two serving association umpires to gain the national A Badge accreditation.
Hay, 26, of Kingsgrove, said that to receive the A Badge made her proud and aware of the responsibilities that came with the honour.
"Being an umpire certainly helps you as a player and understand the rules of the game," Hay said.
Kate Howard, 27, is the other umpire with a national A Badge at St George.
"Umpiring is something I enjoy doing," Hay said.
Hay said getting the AA Badge is a goal.
"I would like to umpire in the ANZ Championship and at international level," Hay said. "Even a World Cup."
The legal secretary devotes her time Saturdays in the winter season at the association's netball courts in West Botany Street, Rockdale.
She is a mentor to younger umpires.
Earlier this year, Hay achieved her national A Badge from Netball Australia and umpired at the nationals for under-17s and under-19s players.
She went to the Netball Australia developing umpire camp in Canberra.
Hay is only the fourth St George association netballer to gain her national A Badge.
Association secretary Lara Mina said Hay achieved her national C Badge in 2008 and her national B Badge in 2010 during the Netball NSW night-interdistrict competition.
Hay is the coaching co-ordinator on the St George executive.
The centre court and wing defender has coached St George junior representative teams and played State League.
"This is a wonderful achievement for Sarah who has worked tirelessly to achieve this result," Mins said.
"We are very proud of her."
