Written by Amelia Barnes
The 2023 Umpire of the Year Award is presented by WorkSafe Victoria
Sophie Cook is a “think big” kind of person, and it shows in her dedication to developing quality umpires in Victoria’s West Gippsland region.
Recognising her tireless work as an umpire and umpire mentor, Cook was recently awarded Umpire of the Year in the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Cook’s commitment to umpiring is driven by her passion for netball and wanting the sport to succeed.
A talented former player, she is now a coach, umpire, and umpire mentor operating in various roles.
She is both the vice president and umpire coordinator at Warragul and District Netball Association (WDNA), responsible for rostering and paying umpires for over 100 games each week.
What Cook has done for WDNA umpires has been instrumental to their ongoing operations.
Realising a lack of support of both beginner umpires and mentors in the local area, Cook became a mentor herself in 2018 and created initiatives to oversee their simultaneous development.
“I knew I needed to become a mentor and then build a team of mentors around me,” she said.
Cook then developed the WDNA Beginner Umpire Trainee Development Program to support the confidence and progression of new umpires to the game.
Cook has overseen the WDNA Beginner Umpire Program to support the progression of new umpires to the game.
The 12 week program provides all participants with one-on-one mentor support while covering all the fundamentals of umpiring. Following the program umpires progress to the WDNA Development Program to work towards their C badge accreditation.
“During this program these umpires are supported only by qualified mentors to help them reach their goals and be the best umpire they can be,” Cook said.
Even if someone doesn’t continue with umpiring, Cook is always happy to support their progression off the netball court.
Umpiring helps young people in particular to develop transferable work and life skills, from communication to decision making and the ability to handle pressure.
“I think I’m nearly a reference for every single junior umpire looking for a casual job from our association,” Cook said. “It really is a privilege to be able to help young kids in that way.”
WDNA’s umpire development programs continue to evolve each season with the support of the committee who encourage Cook to explore new ideas.
This year for example, the association implemented coloured sweatbands to indicate an umpire’s level of experience. The sweatbands are reminder to everyone to respect umpires, and with multiple courts running at a time, the supervisor can quickly keep track and ensure the safety of all officials.
Cook also made efforts to provide first aid education to all umpires and officials in collaboration with a local first aid education company.
“I don’t continue with something because it works, I try and make it better,” Cook said.
When she’s not training others, Cook is often umpiring herself.
“I think it’s a good way to keep up with everything and remember that it’s not easy! I also like to challenge myself as an umpire,” she said.
“I always just want to umpire my best I can each week, regardless of if it is an Under 9s or A grade game.
Cook also volunteers with Netball Victoria as an endorsed umpire tester, umpire developer, Eastern Talent Academy umpire assistant coach, and Association Championships Umpire Mentor.
The latter position sees Cook provide coaching to help umpires develop their skills and hopefully progress along the umpire pathway.
“It’s one of my favourite days on the netball calendar,” said Cook.
“It’s so important for these opportunities in umpiring, especially for regional areas. It’s super important for all umpires that want an opportunity to continue up the pathway, but also, these days are great for umpires that want to be the best umpire they can be and be able to receive feedback from a new face.”
Cook does it all for the love of the game, in addition to being a mother and working full time.
“Life is a juggle, and I don’t get a lot of free time, but I wouldn't change a thing… for now!”
She sees umpiring as a way of giving back to the sport she loves that has also introduced her to people from all walks of life.
“I love umpiring, I love the rules, and being challenged by the rules,” Cook said.
“I speak to my netball friends every day – we live and breathe netball.”
With the support of experienced and generous personnel such as Cook, regional associations can be assured the future of country Victorian netball is in safe hands.
“Umpire shortage is a real thing, and we need umpires to continually keep coming through for netball in our area to continue.
“I just think it's something I can do and that can help someone else reach their goals.”
Interested in becoming an umpire? Find out more
