To all umpires and umpire coordinators that were involved in the 2021 Nissan State Age, 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 Nathan Spooner, Netball Queensland General manager of Commercial.
There were 1728 matches played over the 4-day event on the Sunshine Coast, which did live up to its name on Saturday in hot conditions, however Monday morning was the opposite, with rain temporarily postponing matches.
260 Umpires participated in this years event, and ranged from most Associations throughout Queensland. Pleasingly, 20 umpires from rural and remote locations were able to access one of Netball Queensland’s Umpire Performance Squad members, Stewart Ting, to learn and then share a range of topics to assist with umpire development upon return. All other umpires were able to request umpire feedback from the Netball Queensland umpire coaches during the event to assist with their umpire development. Additionally, umpire talent identification for future Netball Queensland competitions and events was also noted by the umpire coaches.
4 umpires from the Maranoa Netball Association successfully achieved their C Badge, as Netball Queensland continues to support remote associations who do not have the opportunity or the required personnel throughout the season to accomplish the accreditation process.
From the many umpires and personnel I spoke to over the 4 day event, it appeared most of you enjoyed the experience. Moments on day 4, with spectators crammed in to see their teams in action vying for finals placings, proved how capable you are as umpires to perform under pressure, and you should be proud.
I am aware there are pros and cons with the current ‘umpire your own’ allocations system, and this will be reviewed to determine the most efficient and effective process as the State Age format will change in 2022.
Cameron Williamson
