Netball Respect: Green Bands

Green Band pilot

Umpires are the unsung heroes of netball, ensuring fair play and good sporting behaviour. To ensure our netball community is respectful and supportive, especially for our younger umpires, Netball Victoria is thrilled to introduce the ‘Netball Respect: Green Band’ for umpires under 18. 

Sadly, umpire abuse and disrespectful behaviour is too common. All umpires deserve respect, but it’s especially crucial to protect those under 18. We know it can be hard to tell an umpire’s age just by appearances or ability, the Green Band will be a simple, effective way to identify and protect our young officials. Let's make sure our young umpires feel safe and valued! 

Child Safe Standard 3 clearly states that children and young people should be empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

This 8-week pilot will commence at the State Netball Centre starting 29 July, week two of the Spring Season. This will take place at Parkville Netball competitions on Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays only.  

This pilot is part of the consultation and trial phase, and Netball Victoria will be collecting insights and data. Focus groups with young umpires across the state and the Netball Victoria Youth Advisory Committee will also form the consultation phase. This information will help to inform us on how we best protect our umpires under the age of 18. Further guidance and information will be released late October, 2024.

If you have any questions or would like further information please email workforce@netballvic.com.au