When did you start in netball?
I umpired my first game of netball when I was 15.
How did you get involved in this field?
As a result of an umpire not showing up to one of my mum's social netball games. Mum was an avid social netballer, and before I took to umpiring I had watched countless games through my childhood.
How many hours a week do you spend planning/training for netball, versus umpiring netball?
Physical and mental training far outnumbers the amount of time on court umpiring per week. During our domestic season, I would umpire between 1-3 games every week, and spend around 6-10 hours working on my physical conditioning and mental skills so that I can give myself the best chance of an optimal performance each time I hit the court.
What umpire/umpires do you admire and why?
I grew up watching the Commonwealth Bank Trophy (Australia's elite domestic league between 1997-2007) and remember being in awe of the presence and different styles of each umpire. I particularly loved how the umpires all communicated so strongly and calmly with the athletes, and were able to build rapport and a connection with them. This is something which I try to emulate into my own umpiring today.
Did you have a mentor when you first started - if so, who were they and how did they help you?
I started my umpiring in Tassie, and I was lucky enough to have some great mentors down there. The two most influential were AA-Badged umpire, Marj Kerslake, and one of the stalwarts in netball umpiring in Hobart, Judy Prokopiec. Both are incredibly wise and knowledgeable, and they continue to be a beacon of support - not just in my umpiring endeavours, but in life generally.
Favourite part of training (warm up, skill, strategy, live ball/match play, cool down) and why?
Nothing beats being out there on court, and doing your best to contribute to a game in a way that's positive and that lets the athletes show off their skills within the realms of the rules. I love the challenge each game brings, especially in terms of the different strategies and playing styles that teams and athletes apply. I also enjoy the complexities of umpiring - such as trying to stretch your vision to see as much as possible on and off the ball, and being as consistent as possible with my interpretations so the athletes can understand the parameters set. Most importantly though, I love being out on the court because it is FUN! I have such a great time when umpiring - it is truly my happy place!
Biggest challenge you have faced, and how did you overcome it?
I think the older you get, the longer it takes for the body to recover. This is currently true for me anyhow. I've had a few little niggles this year, which I've been able to overcome through disciplined recovery and rehab strategies. I think having these niggles has been a good lesson for me not to take the body for granted, and to really put in the hard yards to train specifically for my umpiring and to recover properly (physically, mentally and with good nutrition).
Umpiring highlight? Can be team success, or individual player/your achievement.
I've been very blessed in my umpiring journey, having officiated so much amazing netball, and meeting many fabulous people involved with our sport across the globe. Any opportunity to umpire on the national and international stage is something which I take great pride in. A memorable event however was the 2009 World Youth Cup in the Cook Islands. I was fortunate enough to umpire the Bronze Medal Game with fellow Victorian umpire Kate Wright, and I'll never forget the insane atmosphere. It was like a huge party - the noise was deafening! The game also featured some of the international rising stars of our game at the time like Romelda Aitken, Serena Guthrie and Jo Harten. So, as you can imagine, there was some incredible skill on display!
You attended the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year, what was the highlight? How did you prepare for the competition?
With all the uncertainty of when we'd get to see our sport flourish internationally again, I think the highlight was simply being able to get back out onto that international court again after such a long break during COVID. In addition, being able to umpire all the different flavours that teams from around the world bring to our sport, was simply incredible.
VNL was a crucial element of my preparation for the Commonwealth Games. I really wanted to get as much quality court time as possible to practice my skills, and boy did VNL deliver - there were some fantastic games I was lucky enough to umpire. I also prepared by trying my best to take on board and implement the feedback I had received from our national umpiring coaches, and completing my own self-analysis in reviewing each game I officiated to pinpoint areas for growth and improvement.
You moved to Victoria in April this year. How have you found the support you have received from Netball Victoria since moving?
Netball Victoria has been incredibly supportive and nurturing. Cathy Gallop in particular has really looked after me, and given me all the tools I've needed to have a great experience here. My co-umpires at VNL level have also been very welcoming, and I've really enjoyed the cohesive team environment which has been uplifting and encouraging.
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