“WHAT? A netball umpire? Why would you want to do that?”
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I hear that a lot. But have a think about this: Umpiring provides a person with so much more than just the ability to officiate the rules.
Umpiring is a great way to make friends for life and be part of the netball community.
And umpiring provides the opportunity for everyone to play the game in a safe, fair and enjoyable environment.
Umpiring also develops skills that can be used for life: communication, resilience and leadership.
Umpiring lets you experience the thrill of the game, contributes towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and offers a pathway to participate in the sport at the highest level.
At Westlakes Netball Association, umpiring starts prior to the start of the local competition, in early February.
Westlakes’ dedicated umpires attend training sessions, nominate to umpire at State League games, and this is followed by carnivals on most Sundays from April to June.
Westlakes was represented by six national-badged umpires at the State Championships in Newcastle over the long weekend in June, and at the State Age Championships at Wollongong and Bankstown Netball Association from July 2 to 4.
Our representative umpires for 2016 were Toni Shearman, Claire Webster, Lydia Philpot, Melissa Wilson, Georgia Dodson and Janelle Gradwell.
During club competitions the season starts with Level 1 courses for new umpires aged 12 years and older, and information sessions for all other umpires who want to nominate for umpiring of Saturday club games.
Umpires who show interest, dedication and umpiring skills are coached and mentored by the umpire committee and senior umpires.
They are invited to attend representative carnivals to develop their skills.
There are many opportunities to become involved as an umpire at Westlakes with pathways and support available for those aspiring to learn and officiate at either club or representative level.
- Karen Smith is a former umpires convenor at Westlakes.