Article supplied by Cambridge Netball Centre.

At Cambridge Netball Centre, we know that umpires are at the heart of every great game. To ensure our umpires felt supported, developed, and confident on court, we took a new approach in 2025 as part of a project with Netball WBOP Zone. We divided out the responsibility this year into four dedicated roles, they were the Umpire Allocations Manager Senior/Junior, Umpire Coach and Umpire Educator.  These roles were put in place to grow the sustainability, capacity, and capability of umpire support at our Centre.

Why did these roles matter at our Centre?

Umpiring is both a skill and a pathway. By providing stronger structures of support, we want to make sure our umpires, whether just starting out or already highly experienced, have access to the right resources, mentoring, opportunities and understand that there is an umpiring pathway.

So what did we get up to?

Our Umpire Coach and Educator delivered six workshops throughout the season offering upskill sessions from beginner through to experienced (Premier) umpires. They, along with five junior umpire support coaches, provided one to one coaching and support to all umpires and were consistently courtside which helped our 30 new umpires and 43 existing umpires to continue learning and developing.  

As well as our two initial Introduction to Umpiring workshops held collectively over five sessions, we also held a 6v6 umpire upskill session.  Then Immediately prior to the season start, refreshers on 7v7 and 6v6 were held for anyone who needed a quick refresh on rules and develop confidence so they were ready and amped to take the court for the season. 

A mid-season check-in for all new umpires (compulsory) and optional for returning umpires was a great way to ensure our season was progressing in the way we had hoped.  As part of this session, an umpire icebreaker was held to allow umpires to develop relationships with each other and develop a supportive 'Team White' culture.  

At the completion of our Premier competition, umpires were invited to attend a post-season dinner with umpire coaches and committee members. This has become a tradition since first being held 3 years ago and has been well attended. 

Why did we commit to this umpiring project?

This project was designed to increase both the number and the knowledge of umpire support personnel at Cambridge Netball Centre, but most importantly, it ensured that the responsibility of securing adequate umpire supply is no longer carried by one person alone.  By establishing several key roles, we spread the responsibility, are building resilience, and increasing the collective knowledge and experience within our umpire leadership group.  

The Centre also strengthened its long-term planning, ensuring that umpire support remains a clear focus and priority in the years to come.

What did this mean for our Community?

For players, this meant fairer, smoother, and more enjoyable games.  For umpires, it meant better pathways, clearer support, and more chances to grow.  For our wider Centre, it meant building a positive, sustainable umpiring culture that will support the growth of netball in Cambridge for years to come.  

We are excited about the impact these roles had, not only in lifting the standard of umpiring, but also in creating a community where umpires feel valued, supported, and empowered.  Cambridge Netball Centre would like to thank Cathy McNally, Jo Gascoigne and Michelle Lang for their hard work over 2025 season and Netball WBOP Zone for supporting this project. 

Pictured above-right: Umpires Olivia Lockwood (second from left) & Ella Southcombe (third from left) achieve their Centre Practical Award.

Article added: December 2025