NETBALL UMPIRES

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR UMPIRING CAREER

The IAS Netball Umpires Program is designed to support the developmental needs of the region’s young talented Netball Umpires by providing industry leading high-performance sport development programs. Scholarships are offered for a 12-month period commencing in October and concluding in September at Academy Challenge. However, there is a heavier focus on the program from September through to Academy Games in April. The aim of the program is to provide additional skill development on top of club, representative or school-based training.

OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAINING, COACHING AND COMPETITION WITH A VIEW TO:

Increase the depth of talent and readiness to progress on the Netball NSW Pathway
Increase the level of athlete success in Netball competition and events nationwide
Be identified, monitored and assessed
Develop strong technical skills
Develop tactical skills and increased understanding of the game
Develop efficient functional movement patterns
Develop a strong base of strength and conditioning, with weekly strength and conditioning training to which attendance is expected
Grow in independence, honesty, self -motivation and self-regulation
Increase uptake of Emerging Talent behaviours
Develop knowledge of rules, accuracy of decisions and communication skills
Provide education around athletic and personal development, including nutrition, sport psychology, media skills, leadership, and drugs in sport

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for the 2025/26 program athletes must:

Reside within the Illawarra Region made up of the Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee or Wollongong local government areas

Be a registered member with Netball NSW through a recognised Association within the Illawarra region (Illawarra, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Ulladulla, Southern Highlands)
Be available for selection in an association based within the IAS local government area. i.e. make yourself available for association trials and representative programs
Be aged between 14 – 18 years old in 2025 (born 2007-2011)
Unbadged umpires must have a pass mark of 70% Rules of theory Netball
C badged umpires must have 80% pass mark of Rules of Theory Netball
All umpires must have a Foundation Course completed

SELECTION PROCESS

Each applicant is reviewed by an independent selected panel of coaches, administrators and invited representatives. The IAS decision/s regarding athlete selection is based on objective and subjective measures and the IAS hold final responsibility for the selection of athletes.

Athletes should demonstrate the following qualities;

Physical abilities and physical skills considered to be essential for eventual success in Netball Umpiring
Be working towards a National C or B badge
Potential to progress through the NNSW & NA Umpire pathway
An ability to apply coaching & technical instruction
Attitude, commitment, and dedication to improving performance
Ability or potential to work as part of a team to achieve excellence

NOTE: Subjectivity is an unavoidable element of selection to the IAS Netball Umpire Squad.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Beginning in the 2025-26 scholarship year, the IAS will be offering both its traditional, fully supported places AND self-financed places to selected athletes.

For further financial assistance, explore the Grow A Star and Local Sporting Champions grants.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

IAS athletes are required to purchase the IAS squad uniform, they also are required to contribute to additional components of the programs such as camps.