Newmarket Redbirds co-referee-in-chief Jeremy McNaught never wanted to leave the sport he had fallen in love with as a player.
McNaught played for the lacrosse organization for 12 years. But when he graduated from the rep program, he decided he would stay on to help the organization continue to thrive. Since then, he has coached, refereed and supported the organization as a volunteer for 20 years.
“It’s a passion for me. I grew a big love for the sport at a very young age and once I graduated from playing, I wanted to stay involved,” he said. “For me, it’s giving back to the younger generation.”
The Ontario Lacrosse Association recognized McNaught for his years of dedication with a president’s award. The award is available to anyone for reaching 20 years of volunteer service as a member of the association. The team celebrated McNaught for reaching the milestone.
“It’s an excellent honour. It’s been a long time,” McNaught said. “It was a little difficult getting through the pandemic with the last two years and the cancellation of the sport. Receiving the award means a lot. The sport means a lot to me.”
The volunteer has spent time in a variety of capacities, including as a coach. The Redbirds are also a family affair for the McNaughts. He has coached his younger brother, and was also coached by his dad as a player.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s nice to be involved in a sport that we’re all passionate about.”
McNaught has risen through the ranks as a longtime referee. He got the chance to referee nationally in 2017 in Saskatoon, plus the Canada Summer Games in Niagara Falls earlier this year.
“That was a great experience all around. It was nice seeing the sport back in action."
It is those opportunities that McNaught said he plans to pursue more. He said he expects to be doing more at the Ontario Lacrosse Association level, “passing the torch” to younger referees with the Redbirds.
He will be working with younger officials throughout the province.
“It was difficult for me, as I’ve been involved for so many years,” he said. “But I think it’s important to give younger referees and younger players the opportunity to officiate and come up, and I look forward to working with them.”
Still, McNaught said he will stay involved with the Redbirds, even if he will be doing less officiating with them. He expressed appreciation for the organization giving him the chance to take on different roles.
“I want to thank everyone for the opportunity that it’s provided me through the many, many years,” he said. “Being able to participate in many aspects of the sport, as well as with my family.”
