Next generation of umpires stepping through Macleay Netball Association's ranks

Back at the start of the season in March, the association held a free beginners umpiring workshop for members 12-years and up to attend.

Twenty eight members attended the workshop from across all of the clubs within the association and have been given the opportunities from there to start their umpiring journey. Throughout the season they received help from experienced mentors, who provided support and guidance to help them develop every week.

The association prides itself on the umpiring development they provide to all members every season and thank all of their experienced mentors for all for their time, effort and support to all the umpires they provide week in and week out.

Umpiring is a tough role in any sport which makes the development aspect an important one for the association.

Without umpires there simply are no games and the Macleay Netball Association knows this very well.

You can't afford to not develop, support and prepare them as they are a vital and very important part of sport.

"We need to nurture, guide and support all umpires and prepare them with knowledge and experience in order to help make them stronger umpires," head umpiring mentor Petra Hayman said.

"They need to feel confident and also enjoy their experience as an umpire.

"It's also important that we educate all teams and players to respect their umpires no matter what in their role.

"This too plays a big part in mentoring an umpire, preparing them for all aspects of the role."

The Macleay has many strong and promising umpires coming through the ranks this season and are very happy with their progress.

This season the association has had five of its members gain their national C badges which is a wonderful achievement for them.

They have also helped progress many umpires to their Level 2 and Level 1 district badges.

Congratulations to all those umpires on being awarded their national and district level badges and a big thank you to all of the many umpires that umpire every week and those that always help out when needed.

The Association have also had many of their badged umpires represent the Macleay at local carnivals and NSW state level competitions throughout the season. Congratulations and thank you to to all of those who have travelled near and far representing the Macleay this year.

National C Badge Recipients

Level 1 District Badge

Level 2 District Badge

Thank you to all the umpiring mentors in the 2019 season Beck Cotter (Umpires Convenor), Gill Cotter (assistant Umpires Convenor), Petra Hayman, Jenny Whiting, Maureen Radcliffe, Karen Lambley, Kate Patterson, Georgina Everson, Sarah Barrell, Sonya Murphy, Darlene Haywood, Zoe Belijaars, Charlie Brenton, Leone Ward, Amanda Wicks and Debbie Burley.

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