To all umpires and umpire coaches that were involved in the 2021 Nissan State Titles, I greatly appreciate the effort and performance to produce a successful event. The umpires were also applauded for their contributions during the closing presentations by participants and Demelza Fellowes, Netball Queensland High Performance Director.
There were 114 matches played over the 3-day event at the Nissan Arena, which permitted the 47 selected umpires from throughout the state to be allocated to 2 or 3 matches per day, and demonstrate their capabilities to perform at the high standard of netball.
The selection process initially commenced with an expression of interest letter, which included a set of criteria listed below. Similarly, the players vying for future pathway opportunities with HART Sapphire and Ruby Series teams, and the State 17u and 19u Nationals squads, the umpires are also being considered for the Netball Queensland Umpire Development and Performance Squads. The ultimate aim is to umpire these teams in the future.
- National B Badge Accreditation (or working towards assessment)
- Performance history and most recent level of capability
Throughout the State Titles event, 9 Netball Queensland umpire coaches were able to assist the umpires with feedback, and also provide talent identification to form the Umpire Development and Performance Squads in 2022. Other development tools to assist umpires prepare for the future include templates such as an umpire appraisal form, an individual umpire development plan, and an awareness of what fitness testing occurs.
The performance on the court, and the supportive culture off the court, culminates in an exciting future for umpiring in Queensland. The commitment to umpire the Ruby and Sapphire Series extends beyond umpiring 1 match on the weekend, and a journey to test yourself at the top level awaits….State Titles is just the beginning.
Thank you again for being an integral part of the event, and I look forward to seeing you out on the court.
Cameron Williamson
