Three WA referees have been selected as National Technical Officers (NTO) for Beach Volleyball at the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Derek Scales (Fremantle Volleyball Club), Sam Delany (VWA Volleyball Club) and Brendan Buckley (Balcatta Volleyball Club) will be part of history when Beach Volleyball debuts at the Commonwealth Games in April.
The WA officials will be part of a 26 strong contingent set to administer the Beach Volleyball competition alongside International Referees. The appointment is the product of more than 15 years of Volleyball refereeing for Brendan Buckley, with the Balcatta referee excited to head east.
“I’m really looking forward to the experience. I’ve been a part of a few FIVB World League and Asian Championships, however this will be the biggest event I’ve attended. It’s pretty cool to be part of a home Commonwealth Games, especially on the Gold Coast. It is a great spot and Australia’s got a good chance of medaling, so it’s exciting to be there in the action.” Buckley said.
“It is going to be such a good experience to go over there and soak up the atmosphere. It’s another part of my education and a great step towards my ultimate goals in Volleyball.” Delany added.
Their selection comes after a rigorous training and a three phase selection process from local level to World Tour events, Four Nations and Australian Championships at Volleyfest. Volleyball WA CEO Robyn Kuhl admits their inclusion only further adds to the exciting debut of Beach Volleyball in the Commonwealth Games.
“The appointment of the three WA officials is a thrilling result for the sport of Volleyball in WA. To have a presence at the debut of Beach Volleyball at the Commonwealth Games is a wonderful milestone in the history of WA officials. I hope Derek, Sam and Brendan’s appointment will help inspire more Volleyball fans to get involved in the delivery of the game. On behalf of the Volleyball WA board and staff I wish them the best of luck in April.” Kuhl said.
Scales, Delany and Buckley, along with the 23 other Australian NTO’s, will now make their way to Coolangatta Beach on the 3rd of April for final training alongside the International Referees, before competition gets underway on the 6th of April.
Australia will be among the top medal contenders in Beach Volleyball with the country set to be represented by 2018 Alcohol. Think Again WA State Open winners Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar, as well as Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann.
To find out more head to Volleyball Australia.