The Online Bench Officials Education Course is a pre-requisite for the State Bench Officials Accreditation and subsequently the National Bench Officials Accreditation. At the conclusion of the Online Bench Officials Education Course, participants will be able to:
- Apply the competition rules and regulations that relate to Bench Officiating at State, National or International level.
- Perform all Bench Official duties in a professional and ethical manner.
- Use timing equipment and Umpire Alert Systems.
The Online Bench Officials Education Course is a free online course that is accessible all year. Participants must successfully complete all modules of the Course to be awarded a pass mark. There is no minimum age for a candidate to enrol in the Bench Officials Education Course. A certificate is generated for all candidates who successfully pass the Course. State Level Bench Accreditation National Level Bench Officials Assessment National Level Bench Accreditation.
Click here to access the Online Bench Officials Education Course.
Section 1 Umpire Theory Exam
The Section 1 Theory Examination:
- is a pre-requisite for the State Bench Officials Accreditation and subsequently the National Bench Officials Accreditation.
- tests the basic rules of the game.
- is an online examination that is accessible all year.
- marks are valid for 6 years.
A certificate is generated for all candidates who achieve a pass (70% or above). The most recent examination mark is the current result.
State Level Bench Officials Assessment
All candidates are required to pass a practical assessment on one (1) match at State League (1/2 x Scorer and 1/2 x Timer) to be awarded their State Level Bench Official Accreditation:
- Candidates must hold the required pre-requisites prior to being assessed for their State Level Bench Official Accreditation.
- Candidates may be assessed using a Member Organisation State League scoresheet. Assessment does not have to be conducted on the national/international scoresheet.
- Candidates must be assessed using the State Bench Officials Practical Assessment Form (Appendix 1).
- Candidate must be assessed competent in all performance criteria to gain Accreditation.
There is no minimum number of matches a candidate must have completed prior being assessed for a State Level Bench Official Accreditation. However, prior to assessment a candidate should be viewed by an appropriately qualified assessor and be deemed ready for assessment.
Assessment will be conducted by currently accredited National Bench Officials.
Click here for the Accreditation Framework
Bench Official Timer Assessment Form
National Bench Official Assessment Form
State Bench Official Assessment Form
National Level Bench Official Assessment
All candidates are required to pass a practical assessment on two (2) matches at State League (top division) (1 x Scorer and 1 x Timer) to be awarded their National Level Bench Officials Accreditation.
- Candidates must hold the required pre-requisites prior to being assessed for their National Level Bench Officials Accreditation.
- Assessment may be undertaken at National Championships as approved by Netball Australia.
- Candidates must be assessed using the National Bench Official Practical Assessment Form (Appendix 2).
- Candidates must be assessed using the national/international scoresheet.
- Candidate must be assessed competent in all performance criteria to gain Accreditation.
There is no minimum number of matches a candidate must have completed prior being assessed for a National Level Bench Official Accreditation. However, prior to assessment a candidate should be viewed by an appropriately qualified assessor and be deemed ready for assessment.
Assessment will be conducted by currently accredited National Bench Officials.
Click here for the Accreditation Framework and Forms
Assessor Qualifications
Bench Officials Assessors must:
- Hold a current Netball Australia National Bench Officials Accreditation or be approved by Netball Australia; and
- Have at least (2) years’ experience at National or International level.
- All Assessors will be selected at the discretion of the Member Organisation to ensure quality control.
Netball Australia shall have the right to:
- Approve Assessors not covered by the above criteria after evaluation of such person’s relevant experience and knowledge of the sport and having regard to the prevailing circumstances.
- Nominate a suitably qualified Bench Managers to conduct random checks to assess the quality of delivery of the course being conducted.
Assessor Training
Assessors are encouraged to attend a generic Presenter & Assessor Training Course available through State/Territory Sport Education Centres.