Umpiring
Without an umpire, there is no game.
Palm Beach Netball Club has a very strong belief in using all available resources, training materials and support that we can give to our umpires at all levels. Watching umpires grow in confidence and progress through the divisions is a wonderful way to strengthen your knowledge of netball.
Umpiring is great to learn – it can be challenging at times but is far more often rewarding. It is particularly good for players to see “the other side of the game”, it can help with their playing ability, can build confidence and the Umpires are paid.
If you are interested in umpiring, whether you are just beginning, or interested in regaining your passion for it, please contact us, as we are always looking for more amazing people to join our team.
UMPIRES REQUIREMENTS
- Uniform: white or black skirt/shorts, with a white shirt.
- Whistle: handgrip whistle required – plastic whistles are not recommended.
- Rule Book or Rule Book App
- Wrist accessory: e.g. a ring or hair tie, something easy to switch between hands. No scrunchies or large/obnoxious wrist accessories.
- Meetings: umpires don’t generally attend ongoing courses. Beginners attend the HDNA Beginner Umpire Course (offered roughly twice a year). Otherwise, attendance is only required if called by PBNC’s Umpire Convenor, usually a season-start refresher.
- Completion of the Rules of Netball: online exam is a requirement.
- Minimum age: Turning 12 by 31 December of the year of umpiring (per HDNA ruling).
- Bring a small kit bag with spares: A spare whistle and hair ties/bands. Whistles can be purchased through HDNA or elsewhere.
- Recommended: wearing or bringing a hat or sunglasses.
Umpire badge progression
White
Orange
No-bib
Jnr Assoc. (JA)
National C
National B
National A
National AA
IUA
Everyone progresses at their own pace, supported by PBNC’s umpire coaches and Convenor along the way.
BASIC UMPIRES COURSE: COURSES INFORMATION
- Two main courses run: the Beginner Umpire Course and the How to Coach and Umpire Course. Dates are advertised via the PBNC and/or HDNA Facebook pages.
- Occasional rule-explanation or refresher sessions also run (e.g. after the season break), advertised via the PBNC Facebook page.
RULES IN NETBALL THEORY EXAM: EXAM IS AVAILABLE ONLINE (LINK BELOW)
- Beginners must complete it with a minimum score of 70%+; must be renewed every 4 years. The minimum score required increases with badge level (e.g. moving from a C to B badge requires 80%+).
- The exam runs for 2 hours and is multiple choice. Recommend reading a copy of the Rules of Netball beforehand.
- Completed via the Netball Learning website. Costs $13 per attempt. Link: Finding a course on Netball Learning
- Completion certificate should be emailed to the PBNC Umpire Convenor.
HOW TO COACH UMPIRES
The club is always looking to expand our Umpire Coaching Team, if you have any previous experience in coaching umpires or umpiring in general, please contact us for further information.