SEASONS come and go, but some things never change.
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So says Newcastle Netball Association president Del Saunders as she reflects on 60 years in sports administration.
"I don't think [the sport] has changed much at all," she said.
"There's still that reliance on teamwork - you don't have a star, you have a team. That's how I look at my involvement [with the association], as one of a team."
This year marks her 39th as association president.
Saunders, 79, started playing netball in the late 1940s for Mayfield West Public School.
When she was 19, she took office as association secretary and assisted with the running of the National Park clubhouse.
She continued to play, alongside her office duties, until she was in her mid-to-late thirties but it was umpiring that would shine through as her strength.
She has now been umpiring for more than 50 years, including 10 years umpiring the Australian Netball Championship.
Saunders became president of the association in 1978.
Her greatest achievements include tripling the number of netball courts at the Union Street grounds to host state tournaments, and building a new clubhouse in 2000.
But if you ask Saunders, not one year with the association is better than the others.
"The years come and go; they all roll into one. I'm just happy to have been here this long.
"It's been a wonderful time."
Saunders' contribution to the netball community was recognised last week at the Greater Building Society Championship launch.
The A-grade competition officially kicked off on Saturday.
Greater Building Society Championship results round 1:
Junction Hotel Yoga Loft 27, Maryville Tavern 31
Bilbie Dan Solicitors 56, Junction Hotel Stella 10
BNC 2 32, Forsythes Business Advisors 50
South Leagues Netball Club 47, BNC 1 28