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Umpiring

There are over 130 umpires officiating Melbourne East Netball Association games across the week at Maroondah Nets.  Umpires also officiate games at Waverley and Tournaments for our Rep Teams.

The Umpire role is a vital part of netball as without an Umpire there would be no game.  

If you have any questions feel free to contact your Club Umpires Coordinator or our MENA Umpire Convenor – Marian Fitzpatrick – umpiresconvenor@menanetball.com.au.

For Netball Victoria Umpiring information visit- https://vic.netball.com.au/umpiring/.  There is information on the latest Umpiring News, Calendar, Accrediation and testing,  Opportunities, Vacancies and Resources.  The resources section is rich with information that every Umpire needs.  Information on the rules, framework, umpire theory exam.  Its well worth a visit to – https://vic.netball.com.au/umpiring-resources/.

Role of a Umpire

The role of the umpire is to apply the rules of the game and ensure the game is played in a safe and fair manner. The laws of the game give the umpire the responsibility to manage the game on and off the court.

Traits of a good umpire: 

  • Can see all players within their area of control 
  • Is a good communicator
  • Can perform hand signals clearly and accurately 
  • Has great ability to concentrate, and knows and understands the rules
  • Shows respect for the game and has a friendly and pleasant manner

Umpires are: 

  • Consistent
  • Knowledgeable – know the rules
  • Professional
  • Ethical and Trustworthy – honest and impartial
  • Unified
  • Responsible – appreciate the importance of the role of the umpire
  • Fit – physically prepared for the task
  • Punctual – arrive at the courts a minimum of 15mins before the scheduled commencement of the game

What to wear

The appearance of the umpire communicates much, even before the game has commenced and the first blow of the whistle. It is essential all umpires take pride in their uniform and adhere to the umpire uniform guidelines.

As an umpire you need to look different from the players. You should wear white top and white or navy blue skirt or shorts (no bike shorts or leggings).

Umpires need to wear runners.

Uniform:

  • MENA/Eastland /White Polo
  • white or navy blue skirt or shorts (no bike shorts or leggings).
  • White or navy shorts
  • White hat
  • White socks
  • Runners
  • Whistle (thunderer)
  • Elastic band

Waterproofs
You can buy waterproof clothing from Rebel, Waverley Netball Centre. Make sure they are lightweight and pack away into a small bag. One of the least enjoyable aspects of umpiring is getting wet at the beginning of a match and having to continue for up an hour both cold and wet! In cold weather wear layers of clothing that you can remove, or add as required.

New to Umpiring

Do you want to be an Umpire.  Please contact your Club Umpire Convenor to see if there is vacancies at your club.  

Before allocation on a Saturday you must have done the following: 

Current Umpires

Please ensure:

More Resources

Dealing with difficult situations

No matter how hard we try it is difficult to please everyone. This will happen on occasion whilst umpiring – no matter how experienced. Sideline comments from spectators and coaches are hard to ignore but it is important to remember not to take it personally. Often these people are not familiar with the rules and have had very little if any experience umpiring. Be confident and remember that you passed the test or simply remember this rule:

“The umpires control a match according to the Rules and decide any matter not covered by them. Their decisions are final and are given without appeal.”  Rule 5.2.1  

If there is a situation occurs when umpiring where you feel uncomfortable please don’t be afraid to ask for help:

  • Find an MENA or club committee member (there are a lot of us wandering around on Saturdays… you will find us easily)
  • Or send someone to the MENA Competition office

 

For a player on court who is causing problems, following these simple steps will make it a lot easier for you as well as help your confidence (as many players often feel uncomfortable after being told off)

1. Apply a “look” – a simple stare often silences most players

2. Caution the player

3. Advance the sanction

4. Warn the player where applicable

If an incident occurs please notify a club committee member as soon as possible as an incident report may need to be filled out.

Child Safety

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