UMPIRING AT COOLUM NETBALL

CDNA offers an inclusive Umpire Development Program for aspiring Umpires
With a limited intake at the start of each Season!

A list of frequently asked questions are answered below alternatively contact umpiring@cdna.org.au for further details

UMPIRING FAQ’S

  • Send your interest along with your contact details to the umpire convenor at umpiring@cdna.org.au

  • 13 years and up

  • Everyone progresses at different stages. Quantity of games and level of games are scheduled with availability, reliability, performance and training purposes in mind. 

    If you have a question about your child and their umpiring journey, don’t hesitate to reach out or have a chat with the Umpire convener at the courts.

  • If you are a beginner Umpire wanting to start, you can register your interest through one of our beginner workshop courses. 

    We hold an intake of beginner umpires at the start of each season. This is announced through Netball connect and social media.

    You will be expected to attend the beginner workshop and strongly advised to attend any other workshops/trainings we hold during the season.

  • You are expected to keep up with the speed of the game you are umpiring. (Yes this means you need to run!) 

    Beginners are expected to keep up with Division 8, 7 and 6. 

    As you start to progress through your development, you will need to be able to umpire divisions 3, 2 and 1. 

  • You will need your own whistle and a water bottle, sweat towel (if you wish).

  • We take pride in our appearance here at CDNA and expect our umpires to be dressed in all white. With the exception of senior umpires wearing black skirt/shorts (If they wish)

    You may wear a hat and/or sunglasses.

    If you wish to wear a jacket or raincoat it must be an either a white, neutral light or grey colour. 

    CDNA supply white rain jackets for wet weather, we also have Umpire Hoodies for purchase.

  • Send an email to umpiring@cdna.org.au to register your interest with your contact details and umpiring experience. 

    Keep in mind we only do beginner intake at the start of each season. 

  • Item description

  • Payment for umpiring is transferred into your selected bank account on Fridays. 

    Please be sure to sign off and tick the games you umpired to get paid. 

  • No, but you do need to fill in a Statement by Supplier form (linked below).

  • Umpires are paid different rates depending on their level of qualification. 

    CDNA pay their umpires as follows: 

    • Beginner (no qualification): $8 per game 

    • Association badge: $15 per game 

    • C Badge: $25 per game 

    • B Badge: $30 per game 

  • You will have an umpire mentor with you at each game while you are learning. 

    The first game is all about confidence and giving it a go. 

    Your Umpire mentors will help you get your teams organised, teach you the right game prep protocols and get you to work with your other umpire. 

    Mentors will be there every step and assist you on making calls using the right terminology and telling you where you need to position yourself. 

    You will be provided with coaching during quarter time breaks and notes on what you need to do to improve for next game. 

    We aim to get all of our beginners to their association level badge. 

    Those wishing to go for their C badge can express this to the mentors or Umpire convener.

  • What does the development pathway look for an umpire at CDNA? 

    We pride ourselves on our junior pathway here at CDNA. We produce good quality umpires and aim to have a pathway for those wishing to progress. 

    We are able to test association and C badged umpires here at Coolum. Those wishing to get their B badge can go through the SPL pathway. 

    CDNA umpire pathway - 

    Beginner Umpire 

    Beginner Umpire training for their association badge

    Association badge 

    Association badge training for their C badge

    C Badge

    C Badge training for their B badge 

    (We work closely with the Premier League committee and premier league Umpire team, supplying umpires wishing to progress to their B badge. 

    Want to know more? 

    Email umpiring@cdna.org.au 

Tips for Umpires

EDUCATION

  • Keep up to date with rules and rule interpretations. Have you read / understood the Rule Book?

  • Don’t be afraid to ask your Umpire Mentor questions - knowledge is power.

  • Maintain accreditation / attend umpiring courses.

  • Watch NNL umpires on TV for attitude, positioning etc.

APPEARANCE

  • Be as fit as the players - warm up!

  • Wear appropriate uniform – WHITE – as this gives a sense of authority and pride.

  • Do not be lazy - keep up with the game always.

  • Do not be late for the start of your match.

  • Do not talk on your mobile phone or to other people during a match.

UMPIRING SKILLS

  • Blow your whistle LOUDLY and assertively.

  • Ensure that you are always in a position to SEE.

  • CONCENTRATE for the entire quarter.

  • Do not alter your initial umpiring decision – even if you realise it was wrong.

  • Do not “make up” for an incorrect decision.

  • You will make mistakes – so do AA umpires. Accept it and move on.

ATTITUDE

  • Be CONFIDENT – even if you aren’t

  • But do not be ARROGANT – this is not a POWER TRIP.

  • Umpire because you enjoy the challenge not for money.

  • Be prepared to have players, coaches and spectators disagree with some of your decisions. There is no umpire who pleases every player, coach & supporter for the entire game at any level or in any sport.

  • Be prepared to accept that you will be wrong some of the time. You will have good games and bad games just like players and coaches.

  • Always SMILE – you are not the enemy; you are working WITH the players to create a fair and competitive game. Do not make it a negative experience for yourself. Focus on the positives.

  • Put it all into PERSPECTIVE – this is sport / fun.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

  • Advise parents / coaches / players of correct grievance procedures

  • Ask for the Umpire Convenor or Umpire Mentors if you are having difficulties.

  • Never mediate arguments without the umpire mentor being present – simply walk away.

  • Be aware of your rights with players and parents as per the Codes of Conduct.

  • Do not be afraid to warn players & spectators / follow up with advanced penalty / ask to leave the court.

SIDELINE BEHAVIOUR

Recognise what makes spectators abuse you:    

  • Their own lack of knowledge of the rules

  • Their frustration at losing a match

  • Their child is performing poorly, and the blame must lie elsewhere

  • They have other issues and stressors

  • They are bullies who sense an opportunity, especially when you seem unsure of yourself

  • You are actually not umpiring well and need assistance.

Remember that “ugly spectators” are everywhere, and it is they who look silly and are an embarrassment to their kids, not you. You must learn to ignore them and have confidence in yourself. These people are unpleasant for all of us but are fortunately in the minority. The Association will always support you so do not be afraid to ask for help.