UMPIRING & UMPIRE DEVELOPMENT

Umpiring netball is very rewarding and is fast growing as an individual sport in its own right.  It requires fitness, good analytical skills and of course a passion for the sport of Netball.

Netball is umpired by two umpires, each controls one half of the court and is always ready to support the other.  Three teams take part in a game of netball - two teams of players and the third team is the umpires.

There are a number of ways to get involved in umpiring, the first one being umpiring for your team, club or school - umpiring for your team is a good way to help you not only as an umpire but as a player, learning the rules and gaining an umpires perspective on play.

To help with your skills and confidence WNC offer courses for beginners through to more advanced classes.  It is very exciting and rewarding to work through exams both theory and practical.

If you decide to be a named umpire for WNC there are opportunities to be selected to travel away with representative teams, to umpire at other centres and attend tournament where you get to mix with other umpires and learn new skills.

Whangarei Netball has an Umpire Development Group, who are responsible for managing all aspects of the coaching and coordination of the named umpires.​​​​​​​

There are established pathways for umpires from Centre level all the way through to the elite international umpires.

But starting out in umpiring begins with completing the Netball NZ online module and attending the Starting out in Umpiring Workshops.  The online module is for New and Player Umpires, covering the basic rules of netball as well as some practical techniques to enhance your umpiring.  This is available through Netball NZ's learning and devlopment portal - click the 'Get Involved' button below.

In the Introductory workshops you will also leanr the basic rules of netball and have the chance to ask questions.  These workshops can then lead to the full Umpire Workshop where you study the rules further and discuss their practical application.  You also learn about the correct body stance and getting the best vision for umpiring the game.  Classes can be a compact day sessions or a series of four or five 1.5 hour sessions usually weekly in the evenings.

Click on the button below for a detailed explanation of the Whangarei Netball Centre Umpire Development process.

Information from Netball NZ;

And finally more information about the pathways for Umpires!

Umpires Code of Co​​​​​​​nduct

Have respect for players, coaches and officials

Umpire the rules without fear or favour

Uphold the standards of the New Zealand Umpire Awards

Display high standards of behaviour and personal appearance which promote a positive image of netball and umpiring at all times

Support and encourage other umpires

Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction

NEW RULES INFO SESSIONS

This workshop looks at both the basics AND the new International Netball Rules and how they will be applied.

Everyone should attend these workshops - Coaches, Players, Club & School Officials!

Each session has a different target audience but will be open for anyone who wants to attend.

These are provided free with no registration required.

Sessions, held at WNC

  • Wednesday 6 March, 6.30-8.30pm,
    Coaches & Players
  • Thursday 7 March, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Experienced Umpires
  • Wednesday 13 March, 6.30-8.30pm
    Experienced Umpires
  • Thursday 14 March, 6.30-8.30pm
    New & Centre Umpires
  • Tuesday 19 March, directly after AGM

​​​​​​​To be well prepared for all these sessions please check out these links below;

World Netball Rules of Netball Update

World Netball New Rules Webinar