Netball West Midlands

Beginner Umpire and C Award Courses

The aim of the Beginner course is to introduce the rudiments of umpiring a netball match at junior/youth/adult level in a club environment. The course lasts 4 - 6 hours and is ideal for young people from 12 years of age or adults who have had no experience of umpiring.

Outcome to be achieved on the course:
To have some knowledge of the basic rules of the game

• To identify obvious basic infringements of the rules
• To apply correct use of voice, whistle and terminology
• To be aware of correct movement and positioning
• To keep an accurate scorecard and call the score (when Table Officials not provided)
• To identify the requirements for the England Netball Beginner Award
• Prepare candidates for testing process

The aim of the C Award course is to prepare umpires with knowledge of rules and umpire competencies / protocols to umpire at either junior/youth and adult club level. The course is aimed at young people from 12 years old and adults who have attended the Beginner Umpiring course of who have umpiring experience at League level.

Outcome to be acheived on the course:
To be able to apply the rules and control the game by:

• Penalising correctly obvious infringements of the rules
• Showing correct use of whistle, voice and terminology
• Positioning and movement
• Appearance and manner
• To keep an accurate scorecard and call the score (when Table Officials not provided)
• To identify the requirements for the England Netball 'C' Award
• Prepare candidates for testing process

These courses are organised and run within the counties, so please contact your Netball Development Officer for details of courses scheduled within your county.

B Award Courses

The aim of the B Award course is to improve current knowledge of rules, improve umpiring skills, identify the requirements for the Netball Europe B Award and prepare trainee ‘B’ umpires for the assessment, which is a prerequisite to applying for the test.

Outcome to be acheived from the course:

• Explain the different level of knowledge and skills between a Netball Europe ‘C’ and ‘B’ Award umpire
• Understand the requirements of the ‘B’ award
• Demonstrate how positioning, movement and vision impacts on an umpires performance
• Explain the meaning of Advantage and how to apply it effectively
• Develop more effective communication skills through voice, whistle and hand signals
• Identify sources of help and support, locally and nationally

Any qualified umpire who has achieved the C Umpiring Award or who holds a B award qualification who has been out of umpiring for a while may apply for the course. These courses are arranged regionally and further details will follow as soon as a course is organised.

A Award Courses

Are organised and administered at our Head Office in Hitchin. Please contact sheelaghr@englandnetball.co.uk for details of future courses.