Netball Victoria is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Life Member Betty Thompson on 13 January 2022, aged 89 years.
Betty’s involvement in the Victorian netball community spanned many decades and roles, from obtaining her A-Grade Umpires Badge and founding Central Victoria Umpires to serving in Executive and Committee roles in associations including Echuca & District and Golden City Netball Association.
A State Councillor for Netball Victoria across the North Central region and recipient of the Victorian Netball Association’s Distinction Award in 1992 for her services to netball, Betty was also a dedicated spectator – she travelled to many local association and league netball games and was a regular face on the sidelines.
Betty’s dedication to fostering participation in umpiring was also invaluable. Her time spent coaching junior umpires, critiquing and testing for umpiring badges drove an improvement in the standard of umpiring across the region.
She was awarded Netball Victoria Life Membership in recognition of her outstanding contribution to our sport in 2002.
Betty’s impact on the game will live on, including through the Bendigo Football Netball League’s A-grade best and fairest award – the Betty Thompson Medal – presented in her honour since 1996.
Our thoughts are with Betty’s family, friends and all those in the Victorian netball community lucky enough to spend time with her.
