After 20 years as a bench official, South Australian Jenny Tregoning is hanging up the boots on a decorated career as she prepares to travel the world.
What started as an opportunity to remain connected to the game she loves led Jenny on a path to officiating the world’s best netballers in the best competitions in the world.
She started out scoring and timing matches for The Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League Reserves division, juggling her coaching and team manager commitments for Matrics Netball Club at the time.
From there, Jenny made her way through the pathway as she progressed to officiating the League division and eventually the national competition.
She spent four years as a bench official for the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league before it transitioned to the ANZ Championship and eventually Suncorp Super Netball as it is today.
For Jenny, the friendships and experiences are what she’ll remember most.
“The friendships that I have made have been most rewarding,” Jenny said.
“A couple of Bench Officials have come on the same journey with me like Linda Probert and Chris Ranger, and they are friendships I know cherish.
“Being a bench official allows you to see all the action from ‘the best seat in the house’.
“You get to see the best netball and it is an unbelievable experience and to do that.”
Among the highlights for Jenny were the 2024 Thunderbirds matches she was involved with as the side secured their second national trophy in as many seasons.
“Being a Bench Manager as the Thunderbirds starting to win more matches has been a highlight of my career,” Jenny said.
“I’ll never forget working the international matches I covered as well as being involved in Suncorp Super Netball.”
Reflecting on her career, Jenny said she hoped she’d be remembered for her professionalism and commitment to the role.
“I hope I’m remembered as somebody that always tried to put in their best effort,” Jenny said.
“I’m fairly meticulous with my preparation, I always used to go through the manual in terms of the role I had to play.
“I always tried to be friendly and nurture the newer people to keep them calm and explain what was going on and what different scenarios might happen.”
For anyone considering becoming a bench official, Jenny encouraged individuals to get started and see where it takes them.
“Well firstly, just give it a go. You can take out of it what you put into it – you don’t have to go through the whole pathway you can stay at state league level, but you do make some friends,” Jenny said.
“It keeps your mind active, opens you up to new friendships and new challenges, and if you want to follow that whole pathway there’s certainly that available.”
For anyone interested in becoming a bench official, visit https://sa.netball.com.au/bench-officials
