Netball Victoria

Umpire Programs and Testing

Netball Victoria conducts a number of practical and theoretical development activities for umpires of all levels.

Development Programs

Workshops
Workshop sessions are designed to specifically meet the requirements of the Association or group. Unless otherwise advised Netball Victoria will devise a suitable program taking into account the skill level, experience and age of those attending. Workshops are theory based but may include a practical component if desired. Workshops are usually designed for those already umpiring.

'Come & Try' Sessions
These sessions are aimed to encourage netballers and other interested members of the community to try umpiring in a non-competitive environment. Participants play in a match and are given the opportunity to umpire.

Rule Discussions
Rule Discussions are designed for players, coaches, umpires, parents and other interested parties to gain a better understanding of the rules. This is an opportunity for participants to clarify rules and ask questions.

Umpire Assessment
Umpire assessments are available to unbadged and badged umpires to provide feedback on or relating to their practical performance. Netball Victoria can arrange for umpires to be viewed at local training sessions or competitions.

School Sessions
Schools may arrange to hold a session during school hours. Similar to a ‘Come & Try' session, children have the opportunity to play as well as umpire. Sessions for juniors may include a Netta Netball match.

Umpire Testing

A National A, B or C badge will be awarded to umpires who successfully meet all of the necessary requirements and then pass the required practical test – conducted by an appropriate testing panel. A testing panel must consist of 3 members. Associations may arrange their own Testing panel for C and B grade testing, or Associations may apply to the Umpire Development Administrator to appoint a panel on their behalf. Netball Victoria is responsible for A grade testing & A grade endorsement. Netball Australia is responsible for AA grade testing.

Accreditation Framework

Association Umpire Co-ordinators/Supervisors must ensure the following:

Testing candiatates must have the necessary pre-requisites before putting them up for testing;
If a theory or course certificate is sighted ensure the full date (dd/mm/yyyy) is recorded and that 'sighted' is noted along with the initials and date of the sighting;
Umpire Test Forms are completed in full - including the DOB which is used as the umpire identifier in the national database as well as the membership numbers for the testing panel members.

C Badge Assessment:

Pre-requisites: Current financial Netball Victoria Member;

Theory pass mark of 70% or higher;

Current Level 1 Umpiring course.

Practical Test: Local Game - 4 x 15 min. quarters (or equivalent i.e 6 x 10 min. quarters)

Have reasonable control.
Have good knowledge of the rules.
Have a voice and whistle that are loud and clear.
Have efficient announcement of decisions.
Have good coverage of the court.
Show good application of all general rules.
Apply contact and obstruction consistently.
Have efficient centre passes.
Show awareness of the Advantage Rule and apply it, for example 'Advantage Goal'

B Badge Assessment:
        Pre-requisites:           Current financial Netball Victoria Member;
                                           Theory pass mark of 80% or higher;
                                           Current Level 1 Umpiring course (or Rules In Action).

Practical Test: Local Game - 4 x 15 min. quarters (or equivalent i.e 6 x 10 min. quarters)

Have good control of the game.
Have detailed knowledge of the rules.
Have a voice and whistle which are easily heard.
Make clear and precise decisions.
Have a very effective coverage of the court.
Show clear application of contact and obstruction.
Apply the Advantage Rule consistently.
Penalise all other infringements.
Ensure correct and efficient centre pass.

A Badge Assessments:
        Pre-requisites:             Current financial Netball Victoria Member;
                                              Theory pass mark of 90% or higher;
                                              Current Rules In Action and Level 2 Umpiring course.

Practical Test: State League Game - 4 x 15 min. quarters

Have excellent game control.
Have a clear and detailed knowledge of the rules and interpretations.
Show an excellent overview of the court and cooperation with the other umpire to give full coverage of the game.
Be able to ensure that the game proceeds at the speed and level of the competition.
Not be susceptible to external influences.
Apply contact and obstruction rules together with all other general rules with precision and accuracy.
Apply the advantage rule with skill.
Maintain speed and efficiency for centre passes and throw ins.
Handle toss ups effectively.
Have ultimate control of all players and officials through correct procedures.

Umpire Programs and Testing

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