Retired umpiring great Michelle Phippard is set to join the Victorian Netball League Reference Group alongside current members Michael Crooks and Lynne Sheehan.
Phippard has a decorated umpiring career spanning over 20 years, including involvement in Suncorp Super Netball and previous competitions ANZ Championship and Commonwealth Bank Trophy. Phippard’s influence extended from domestic to international competition, umpiring the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup in Liverpool. Phippard will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the VNL Reference Group.
Over the years Phippard has put her hand up for many initiatives, including involvement in the development and implementation of strategic plans and pathways. Her love and passion for umpiring has driven her to advocate for more opportunities across the state for umpires to develop their craft.
“Clearer umpire pathways would be great, I think we do need to give umpires when they start their journey an opportunity to say ‘hey I really like this, this is something I could be good at’. They need a clear view of how they can get better and what their next step is,” she said.
Along with a law degree, Phippard recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Sport Integrity at Victoria University under the AIS Women Leaders in Sport program, and is looking forward to bringing her expertise to help support the operations of VNL to ensure that the high standard of netball continues.
The VNL Reference Group is designed to provide support and advice to VNL staff in matters of strategic development and operation of the VNL competition, something that Phippard is extremely familiar with as a cadet on the International Coaching Panel.
Objectives of the Reference Group include:
- To provide support to VNL staff relating to matters of the competition and Licenses.
- To use their industry experience to ensure the VNL is the leader in state sporting competitions.
- Identify and recommend structures which will provide pathways in VNL for players, coaches, umpires and administrators.
- To assist with the development of a VNL Strategic Plan.
- To assist with the annual License Reviews and provide a brief report to the Netball Victoria Board.
With the upcoming season reviews and licensing period, Michelle’s background will be invaluable to the competition.
