Anyone over the age of 13 can become an umpire. The game doesn’t just need young umpires or technical officials, current or ex-players with a wealth of experience at various levels make excellent officials, some of whom have started in their late 30’s and now officiate in England Netball competitions, something they may never have achieved as a player.
Irrespective of your age, ability, or experience at playing netball, if you have a passion for the game and can successfully complete England Netball’s Into Officiating or C Award Course you can start your journey to becoming a netball umpire.
INTO OFFICIATING
The Into Officiating Award is organised by England Netball, futher information can be found on the England Netball Officiatiing section here.
It is the mandatory first step of the Officiating Pathway. The Into Officiating course provides an introduction to umpiring in netball. You’ll be introduced to the rules and their application delivered through theory and practical elements.
Who is this course for?
The course is perfect for those that want to get to know the rules of netball and to officiate at the local level or in a school environment.
Outcomes
By successfully completing the Into Officiating Course, you’ll:
- Improve your understanding of the rules of netball
- Gain the basic knowledge and skills to undertake umpiring at netball matches
- Be able to keep an accurate scorecard
- Understand the requirements to progress along the officials pathway
Once the Into Officiating course has been attended, further information can be obtained from your respective County Officiating Lead with regards to mentoning and progression towards the Into Officiating Practical Assessment.
County Officiating Lead Contacts
C AWARD
The C Award is organised by England Netball, futher information can be found on the England Netball Officiatiing section here.
Building on the rules knowledge gained through the Into Officiating Award, the C Award Umpire Course is the second step on the Officiating pathway.
Who is this course for?
You have completed your manadatory Into Officiating Award and now want to umpire in local and/or county leagues on a regular basis and have a good understanding of the rules.
Outcomes
After you attend the course you will:
- Improve your current understanding and knowledge of the rules of the game
- Improve your umpiring skills by identifying/observing and penalising infringements of the rules
- Be able to demonstrate how positioning, movement and vision impacts on an umpires performance
- Begin to develop an awareness of when it is appropriate to playing advantage
- Have an awareness of Contact v Contest
- Understand the importance of Game Management for control and discipline
Once the C Award course has been attended, further information can be obtained from your respective County Officiating Lead with regards to mentoning and progression towards the C Award Practical Assessment.
County Officiating Leads Contact
B AWARD
The B Award course is organised by England Netball, futher information can be found on the England Netball Officiatiing section here.
Applicants must:
- Already hold the Netball Europe ‘C’ Umpiring Award and have at least one year’s experience in umpiring various types of matches such as good competitive senior club, other club, county, factory, youth or school matches.
- Complete A/B paper within 2 years post attending a B award course.
- Enter evidence of umpiring experience in the Umpire Log Book containing a variety of matches which are appropriate to the level of the award the umpire is working towards i.e. good standard club level. (This must include a minimum of at least 6 matches as identified by Region Umpiring Personnel)
- Successfully passed the written assessment (which is valid for two years from the date of taking the Written Assessment)
- Reached a minimum of level 6.1 on the Multi stage fitness test. This test would have to be completed within six weeks prior to the application being sent to the Region. Copy of the fitness form must accompany this application
Once the B award course has been attended, further information can be obtained from the Regional Officiating Lead -Julie Arnold netballsouth_officiating@outlook.com with regards to mentoning and progression towards the B Award Practical Assessment.
A AWARD
The A Award is organised by England Netball Officiating Department
Applicants must:
- Already hold the Netball Europe B Umpiring Award and have at least one year’s experience in umpiring various types of matches such as regional, club, county, factory, youth or school.
- Enter evidence of this experience on the Umpire Record Cards - a minimum of eight games at Regional League and / or Challenge Cup matches
- Reached a minimum of level 7.1 on the Multi stage fitness test. This test would have to be completed within six weeks prior to the application being sent to England Netball. Copy of the fitness form must accompany this application
- Apply for the practical assessment within 4 years from the date of attaining an A pass in the A/B Written Paper.
- All applications for a practical assessment must be signed by the learner’s Regional Officiating Lead.
The above link will take you to the England Netball OFFICIATING RESOURCES webpage where you can find a step by step guide for learners on how to apply for and complete the England Netball Officiating Award
England Netball officiating qualifications and workshops are delivered by a team of qualified tutors, assessors and internal verifiers, who are employed directly by England Netball to deliver a range of opportunities across the country.
On an annual basis, England Netball recruits new tutors and assessors, depending on the demand that is required during that year. Ensure that you keep looking for the next recruitment opportunity; we are looking to hear from people with the following skills and experience;
Essential
- Member of England Netball
- Active Netball Europe B Award Umpire (for 2 years)
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the game & the rules
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
England Netball officiating qualifications and workshops are delivered by a team of qualified tutors, assessors and internal verifiers, who are employed directly by England Netball to deliver a range of opportunities across the country.
On an annual basis, England Netball recruits new tutors and assessors, depending on the demand that is required during that year. Ensure that you keep looking for the next recruitment opportunity.
We are looking to hear from people with the following skills and experience:
Essential
- Member of England Netball
- QTS (or equivalent i.e. ADL) or Assessors qualification (or equivalent i.e. AVRAA)
- Active Netball Europe B Award Umpire (for 2 years)
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the game & the rules
- Good communication and presentation skills
- Well-developed philosophy of teaching
- Proven officiating ability over an extended period
Ideal for those wanting to learn about scoring and timing netball matches, starting at local and regional level, progressing up to Vitality Netball Superleague and international level.
Perfect for those that want to support the game by becoming a Technical Official, learning how to score and time netball matches.
Outcomes
After you attend the course you will:
- Know the required equipment
- Understand the Technical Official roles
- Be able to time a match
- Be able to score a match using a score sheet
- Understand extra time procedures
- Understand umpire signals and protocols