IF there is a representative match that teenage basketball referee Jay Roach hasn't officiated over the last month, it probably wasn't worth it.
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From the Combined Catholic College state titles at Penrith to the Seaside Classic in Port Macquarie, Roach has had a busy time.
However, there have no doubt been times where every year of his four years' worth of refereeing experience has been called on, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
Roach refereed the under-17 semi-final at Penrith on October 29 before he backed it up with the under-15 men's and women's final at the Seaside Classic in Port Macquarie the following weekend.
"I was pretty chuffed as (Penrith) was my first under-17 men's final at that level of competition," he said.
"Getting selected to referee the competition itself was a great achievement, but getting that final really topped it off for me."
It's been a busy 12 months in general for Roach.
His breakout refereeing season has covered everything from Northern Junior League finals to the State Cup at Minto, state championships in Maitland as well as Development League appointments in Penrith.
"The highlight would have to be getting selected for the State Cup and then getting selected for a final out of 30-plus refs which gave me a medal," he said.
His year was capped off with an invitation to the 2020 Country Development Tour.
But Roach admits none of his achievements would have been possible without the encouragement from mum Natalie and the Port Macquarie Basketball Association.
"Mum was probably my driving force, but I've been pretty lucky to have some amazing mentors in Josh Burghardt who started me off on my green shirt and still has a lot of input into me improving my refereeing skills," he said.
Jack, Tom and Alex Lister along with Deb Burghardt have also played their roles.
"They have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone; I'm lucky to also have had Adam Broadbent and Greg Maraun in my corner as well as Andre Caltabiano who ref mentors me at local comp."
The teenager remained grounded despite the hard work he had put in.
"There isn't really a secret to it all; I just have to keep working hard, listen to my mentors and keep challenging myself," he said.
"As mum says, stay humble."
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