UMPIRES

Without umpires, there is no game!

At Southside Lynx, we encourage our umpires to be constantly developing and learning new skills. This can include getting general tips and assistance from our Club's senior umpires, using online resources to learn new skills, attending courses for umpiring development, or training towards getting your National C Badge and higher.

You can start developing your umpiring at any time, whether you're relatively new to it, or you've been umpiring for many years, and at whatever point in the season (or off-season!) it might be. It's never too early or too late!

Southside trains new junior umpires each season with the help of the Umpiring Coordinator and committee members. The training program is casual and flexible, and will normally include practising at trials and umpiring Saturday games with the help of a supervisor. If you are interested in learning how to umpire, please email the Umpiring Coordinator as early as possible.

You must be turning 13 or older in the year that you wish to participate in the Club's umpiring training program.

The Club's umpiring program is not an accredited program, but you will have the opportunity to gain accreditations while you participate.

New Umpire Info.

When you first start umpiring, it’s a good idea to know the rules! You’ll know many of the rules while playing, but it’s good to refresh and learn about some of the trickier rules - the rules are also always changing, so there might be some things you don’t know! Our umpiring coordinator can help you clarify any rules you don’t quite understand. It's helpful to read through the official rule book, which you can access at the Netball Australia.

Trainee umpires must complete the online Rules of Netball Theory Examination: you will only be allocated to games as a trainee if you have completed it. The Rules of Netball Theory Examination is a test of your knowledge of the rules. The exam can be accessed through your Netball Learning account. It's important that you get a score of at least 70%, and then email the Umpiring Coordinator a copy of your certificate - you can have multiple attempts. This test is taken once a year by all umpires at the club to show you are up to date with the rules, and the club will reimburse the cost.

You have the option of taking the Foundation Umpire Education Course (also accessible through Netball Learning), which gives you a more practical understanding of the rules and how to apply them. If you choose to take the course, you should email your certificate of completion to the Umpiring Coordinator when you finish.

If you are part of the current season's trainee group, you’ll get the opportunity to learn in a low-pressure environment at trials, and you'll be taking the court on a few games over the season. The number of games you are placed on will vary, depending on your availability, the availability of appropriate grades to umpire, and the availability of our team of umpiring coaches. While you're training, you'll have an umpiring coach with you at your games, so that you can ask questions, learn about applying your umpiring knowledge and have some extra support until you're ready to do your own games. While you have your umpiring coach and are still being trained, they will receive the payment for the game.

Once you’re ready to take on games by yourself, you'll be placed on the squad list, and contacted for games when our experienced squad isn't able to make it, and you will receive the payment for the game. Then, the following season, you can put yourself forward to join the experienced squad for regular games.

National Accreditation Pathway.

If you are interested in developing your umpiring, you can check out the national accreditation pathway. It shows you what you need to know to work towards your National Badge qualifications, and helps you to understand your development needs. When you are ready to progress your umpiring, the Club will do their best to develop your skills, or help you to find the resources that you need to take the next step.

National C Badge.

The National C Badge is the first level of Netball Australia's national umpiring qualifications. It is very achievable at a grassroots level, and the Club is able to provide the training necessary for umpires to successfully obtain this qualification.

There are three components to achieving your National C Badge:

  • Completing the Foundation Umpire Education Course

  • Completing the Rules of Netball Theory Examination with a mark of 70%+

  • Completing your practical test (umpiring a full match at Club level)

You need to complete the Foundation Umpire Education Course and the Rules of Netball Theory Examination before you can attend a practical test component. Both of these can be accessed and completed online on your MyNetball account. If you are interested in achieving your National C Badge, please complete these two components and email your certificates to the Umpiring Coordinator.

The Umpiring Coordinator will then assess where you're at with your umpiring, and give you the appropriate training. Once you're ready for your practical test, the Umpiring Coordinator will liaise with FNA to organise this for you.

Further Development.

If you already have your National C Badge and are looking to progress further with your umpiring, or update your qualifications, please contact the Umpiring Coordinator to discuss your development pathway and training options.

DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Here you can find a bundle of resources to help you in your theoretical development, and show you what is needed in your practical development, in order to achieve your National Badge qualifications.

GENERAL RESOURCES

There are loads of online resources available for people who want to learn how to umpire netball, and for umpires who want to develop their skills. Here are a few links you can check out:

Do you have umpiring resources you'd love to share with our other umpires? Contact our Secretary to organise putting it on the website!