Kim Shapley
Kim Shapley
Category: Player
More than four decades in broomball
Kim Shapley began playing broomball in 1983 with the Broomball Association of South Australia (BASA), beginning a remarkable involvement in the sport that would extend from local competition to the national and international stages.
As a player, Kim has received numerous individual and team MVP honours and top goal scorer awards. In 2007, he was selected as a winger for BASA’s 25-Year All-Star Team.
A lasting contribution in South Australia
Kim’s commitment to broomball has always extended beyond playing. He served 16 consecutive years on the BASA committee and, after a break, returned for approximately another 10 years.
During this time, he held numerous leadership positions, including two years as President, as well as serving as Statistical Officer, National Representative and International Representative.
Kim has also served as BASA webmaster for more than a decade. In recognition of his longstanding contribution to the association, he was awarded Life Membership in 1998.
More than 30 years of national competition
Kim has represented South Australia at the national level almost every year since the introduction of the Australian National Championships, competing for more than 30 years in both the Senior Men’s and Mixed divisions.
In addition to his playing career, he has coached teams at the national level and has been selected to All-Star teams on numerous occasions.
In 2016, his achievements and contribution to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Broomball Australia Hall of Fame.
Helping build international broomball
Kim also played an important role in the early development of international broomball.
Following discussions in the late 1980s with former President Rick Przybysz about creating an international organization for the sport, Kim joined several other Australians in supporting the establishment of what would eventually become the International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA).
From 1991 to 1996, Kim served as the first General Secretary of the IFBA, helping establish the organization during its formative years. In recognition of this contribution, he received an IFBA Founders Award in 2006.
He later continued his service to the organization as webmaster of the IFBA website for approximately five years.
An extensive international career
Kim has attended and competed in all but two IFBA World Broomball Championships, representing Australia across Men’s Elite, Mixed and Masters divisions. He has also coached Australian teams at IFBA World Broomball Championships.
His international experience extends to Japan and the United States. In 1994, Kim represented Australia at the All Japan Cup, where he received his team’s MVP award. The following year, he represented Australia at Broomball Mania 7 in the United States.
A remarkable commitment to the sport
From local competition in South Australia to the creation and development of the IFBA, Kim Shapley’s contribution to broomball spans more than four decades.
As a player, coach, administrator, webmaster and one of the early contributors to international broomball, his influence has been felt at every level of the sport. His longevity as a player, combined with his leadership and commitment to growing broomball in Australia and internationally, represents an exceptional legacy within the game.