The new year has arrived and with it a new batch of Welsh Netball Umpiring courses. ‘Team White’ makes netball possible and clubs and leagues across Wales and beyond are always on the look out for people to officiate matches as netball continues to grow and grow in popularity. (Dani Coxey [furthest left] mentoring umpires in North East Wales last year.)
Upcoming umpiring courses in Wales include:
- Intro to Umpiring in Penarth on 17 March;
- C Award Umpiring course in Trefforest on 14 April;
- A/B Written Assesment in Cardiff and Queensferry on 4 May.
Welsh Netball’s new Workforce Development Co-ordinator, Abbie Kelsall shared her thoughts ahead of a new year of netball CPD opportunities. She said: “The role of an umpire is so important in the game of netball. Welsh Netball provide a range of umpiring courses that support those at the beginning of their umpiring journey, through to those who are looking to progress and umpire at higher levels.”
Kelsall also spoke about how more and more people from Wales’ netball community were becoming involved in umpiring via Welsh Netball courses. She said: “In 2018, Welsh Netball offered courses at all levels including 15 Intro to Umpiring Courses running with 241 candidates in total gaining basic umpiring knowledge and continuing to develop through umpiring in the local community at leagues, clubs and school festivals. This also included 8 C Award courses running with 146 candidates attending.”
She added: “Our umpiring courses are a great way for clubs and organisations to develop their workforce and to increase their standards and knowledge of the game. Welsh umpires having been making their mark at the top of elite netball around the world. Recently, Alison Harrison was re-appointed for the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague and Rhian Edwards has been appointed for the very first time!”