After two years of cancelled and interrupted competitions, Netball Victoria’s Association Championships returns to regular programming from Sunday 22 May 2022.
Association Championships is an integral part of the netball pathway for Victorian players, coaches, and officials. The competition offers talent identification opportunities for athletes, and provides emerging umpires with access to experienced coaches to advance their careers.
Since the first event in 2000, Association Championships has grown to encompass approximately 350 teams, 180 associations, and more than 3600 players annually across seven locations, followed by finals at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.
Current Suncorp Super Netball and Victorian Netball League umpire coach Jo Davidson will be among the umpire talent identification team at this year’s Association Championships. She said her team are looking for confident umpires with a good feel for the game and untapped potential.
“They read the play well, they have a good rapport with the players they're umpiring, and they look like they actually want to be there…They want to genuinely have conversations with you about umpiring and they'll ask questions and be really engaged,” Davidson said. “And then, obviously, they have some talent in umpiring as well, but those other things override it.”
Those identified will progress along the Netball Victoria pathway, offering them skills and coaching towards earning a B Badge or higher qualification.
As someone who was talent identified at a young age, Davidson knows firsthand the significance this can have on an umpire’s career. As well as the potential to be scouted, Association Championships gives emerging umpires valuable guidance and perspectives to support their growth.
“To come to one central location and to get some feedback and coaching from us is really beneficial for them,” said Davidson. “Often at their [local] association they have the same umpire coach week after week, so just to hear a different perspective, I think, is really beneficial.”
These opportunities are especially important for regional umpires, who often don’t have access to the same resources or experienced mentors as those in metro areas. Association Championships operates at four different regional venues a year to access as many young athletes and umpires as possible.
When Davidson isn’t umpire coaching, she’s working as a secondary teacher. Managing a busy schedule is one of many life skills she says umpiring has helped to develop.
“It helps with communication skills, it helps with working within a team, and also helps with organisation of your life,” she said. “Even school kids, they have schoolwork to do and they go to school, and they have to fit all that in and also learn to be respectful of everyone, regardless of their background.”
What motivates Davidson is fostering the next generation of umpires, ensuring talent and support exists at all levels. “We have to work really hard at the moment to try and get this next generation through because it's been a really tough couple of years. It's about bringing out the best in people,” she said.
Benefits aside, the reason Davidson loves and encourages others to umpire is simple – it’s fun! “If you didn't enjoy it and if you didn't find it fun, it would be a real drag…You do it for the love of the game,” she says.
“It's a really great part-time job, especially for teenagers…You're keeping active, you're keeping fit, and you're often hanging out with your friends on a Saturday at netball.”
The first of the 2022 Association Championships will be the Central East (15&U and 17&U) competitions on Sunday 22 May, followed by events across the state on Sunday 29 May and Sunday 5 June.
Association Championships is not only a pathway for our players. Contact your association/league or workforce@netballvic.com.au to find out how you can be involved in Association Championships.
