Our Ben nets history

By Ben Hope
PAKENHAM’S Ben Dixon will be the youngest Victorian to umpire netball at the highest level after recently being awarded an A-grade badge.
The 17-year-old was assessed by Netball Australia as he umpired a Victorian Netball League game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre this month. He passed with flying colours after the three testers were impressed with his understanding of the game and his consistency.
“I started umpiring when I was 11 and have always enjoyed it,” he said.
“I was awarded my C- grade badge at 13 and my B-grade at 15. Now I have my A grade badge, I can umpire games at any level.”
The Beaconhills College year 12 student grew up with netball and is also a keen player and coach.
“Mum has been playing netball since she was young, so I guess you could say I was born on the court,” he said.
In April, Dixon represented Victoria in the champion under-19 state team at the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Championships at Oakleigh. He also coaches the under 15 Gippsland Storm, who had success in his first year on the job.
“I am still pretty new to coaching, I have been doing it for about a year but it is something I really enjoy,” he said.
“So far this year we have lost only three of about 12 games. That’s a pretty good result.”
Dixon is presently umpiring in the Ellinbank Netball League and will finish the season before he considers moving on to coach at a higher level.