 |
Ed. 1 2026 - February 2026 Welcome to our first edition of our WBOP Umpire Newsletter. We are excited to share anything that relates to our umpire community with you once a month. A short introduction of Ruth and Minda, who has been appointed as the new Umpire Leads for the Zone: Ruth brings more than 20 years of experience in governance, strategic planning, and operational delivery through her roles as a Company Director and Board Member, alongside extensive involvement in umpire development across community netball and umpire pathways. As an Umpire Coach Developer and Mentor, she is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to empower umpires and officials to recognise their strengths and continue improving. Minda comes from an education background, having worked as a Teacher, Team Leader, and Teacher in Charge of Netball, at one of our local schools. Alongside her teaching career, she has been actively involved in coaching and umpiring at school and Centre levels. As an Umpire Coach and TiC, she brings valuable experience supporting new and student umpires, with a strong focus on confidence, retention, and supporting umpires through their first steps of officiating. Ruth and Minda both value collaboration with Centres, schools, and clubs, and fostering environments built on respect and enjoyment of the game. They’ve also both been part of the Umpire Leadership Team at Hamilton City Netball Centre, and we’re excited to have them on board. The first month of being appointed in this role, has presented lots of opportunities of learning, and connecting with our Netball whaanau. Thank you for making us feel welcome and supporting us while we are finding our feet. If you have something exciting that is happening in the umpire space of your centre, please let us know. We would love to celebrate your successes and communicate news from within your centre.  |
Yo-Yo TestingThe first Yo-Yo test date is approaching quickly! Just a friendly reminder that results must be submitted to the Zone through the Centre, not directly by the athletes. The test also needs to be conducted and verified by approved personnel. |
 |
Netball New Zealand Tournament Dates ReleasedU18 Championships New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships |
Sports Tutor Learning to Umpire 2026The Sport tutor module had had a refresh for 2026 and is ready to go. This is a great module for starting out at Centre level and also player umpires and replaces NNZ Centre Theory test. Click this link to take you to the module. |
 |
Exam dates this yearAre you interested in doing one of the Netball Exams this year? Get in contact with your centre to register. |
 |
 |
|
 |
We’re really looking forward to an exciting and action-packed March! It’s wonderful to see so many centres gearing up for the season ahead, with pre-season tournaments kicking off, social leagues getting underway, and plenty of activity happening both on and off the court. There’s a real sense of momentum building, and we can’t wait to see teams reconnect, new players get involved, and our netball community continue to grow and thrive. Reach out to either Ruth or Minda if you have any questions for us. Ruth: ruth.robinson@netballwbop.co.nz 021 663 303 |
 |