AS children, most sportspeople’s hopes and dreams can be adequately summed up by a quote from Coop Cooper, the main character of classic sports movie Baseketball, “someday, I’m going to be a big sports star”.
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But 18-year-old Billy Greatbatch never really thought that way.
When Greatbatch turned 10 he decided his place on the field in his chosen sports of touch football, rugby league and formerly rugby union, wasn’t as a star ball-player or a hard-hitting tackling machine, but rather with whistle in hand.
Despite having a plethora of awards and recognition already under his belt, Greatbatch received what he labelled “one of the best awards I’ve received” yesterday, Oranges’ 2015 sporting personality of the year gong.
Greatbatch is the youngest recipient of the award in history.
“I’m pretty stoked with that, I didn’t expect it all,” Greatbatch said, speaking at the Australia Day awards at Cook Park.
“I was just happy with the nomination, winning is the icing on the cake after a really good year. But I wouldn’t have done anything without the support of my family and friends, so I need to thank them.”
The 18-year-old had a breakout year in 2014.
After officiating at the National Touch League in March, he became the youngest referee in history to obtain his level six, international standard accreditation at just 17 years and three months.
As a result, he received an invitation to referee at the annual State of Origin and Interstate Touch Challenge in September.
In October, Billy experienced international touch for the first time after he was endorsed to represent Australia as a match official at the 2014 USA Nationals.
As a testament to his refereeing ability, at the 2014 NSW Touch Association Referee Awards, Billy claimed two major awards - referee of the tournament for the NSW Touch Association State Cup, and NSW Hornets referee of the year.
To top 2014 off, Greatbatch was selected to referee at the 2015 Touch World Cup at Coffs Harbour, and will be youngest referee to ever participate in this prestigious event.
However, Greatbatch’s ultimate goal is to become a full-time referee in the NRL and after officiating his first Group 10 premier league game in 2014, along with being accepted into the NRL Referees Academy he is well on his way.
“What’s next? I’ve got (touch football) nationals in March, the World Cup in April and then I’m having three months off to coach water skiing at summer camp in America,” Greatbatch said.
