Alan Doughty was introduced to the Perth Basketball Association in 1965 by Ed Rogers whom he had met whilst playing for Swanbourne Senior High in the High School Basketball competition. His playing career with PBA began with U16 teams competing at Perry Lakes Stadium and subsequently U18 teams.
In 1966, Alan (together with several Perth teammates) was selected in the State U16 team and in 1968, the State U18 team.
Transition to senior ranks was facilitated by PBA’s policy of encouraging young players to gain experience by participating in senior team competitions and Alan went on to mainly play in A Reserve teams and in the A Grade for one Summer season. With the passage of time he “graduated” to the infamous “Duffers” team in B Grade which he found was a very enjoyable way to conclude his playing career.
Alan was also involved in coaching junior teams at the Kent Street and Loftus Street Rec Centres and in 1972/73, the first PBA Women’s team (where he met his future wife).
He also became a WABL Referee, rating the opportunity to officiate at several Senior A Grade games as highlights.
In 1968, Alan became actively involved in the administration of the PBA and at various times over the next 30 years, held the following positions/roles: Treasurer; Vice President; Auditor; Patron and Trustee of the Association; Newsletter production and distribution (1968); Manager of the Perth team that competed in the National Club Championships in Adelaide (1970); Treasurer of the 1990 SBL Management Committee. From late 1993 through to 1999 he was an active participant on the Foundation Committee, along with Tony Ewing and Rob Rowbottam. After receiving his Life Membership in 1989, Alan was an active member of the Life Members sub-committee until he and his wife, Sian, moved to Albany in 2009.
Alan was a keen photographer who was often seen with a camera in hand around courts where Perth teams were playing. He also helped to produce the 1972 local Basketball publication “Rebound” with fellow Life Member, Ian Nordahl.
Now retired and living in Albany, Alan follows the Club’s fortunes with interest via the website and his friendship with other Life Members.