Last weekend umpire Rebecca Reside umpired her first National Netball League game. We caught up with Rebecca this week ...

CNC: How did you first get into umpiring and how old were old were you?

RR: I first started umpiring when I was 14, my older sister got to the age where your team is required to provide umpires and so she had to sit the centre theory test. I decided to sit it at the same time as her. I did well in the test so was encouraged by Pam Ormandy who runs whistlers and is a family friend to join the whistlers programme and that is where my umpiring journey all began on the courts of Christchurch Netball wearing the whistler jacket.

CNC: What level are you now? 

RR: I have my New Zealand B badge and am also part of the netball New Zealand watchlist

CNC: What level are you striving for and what steps do you need to take to reach that goal? 

RR:  To be honest my goal was to make watchlist which I was able to achieve this year. So my new goal is now to make the national umpire squad and umpire an ANZ Premiership game. To reach this goal a lot more work is required including more in-depth analysis of my games, working on the whole picture so not just the on court things but also the off court and as always more fitness.

CNC: Do you play netball as well?

RR: Yes I play netball in a social open grade team for Sumner Redcliffs. 

Playing the game can definitely help to understand set ups and game plans but all of that can also be learnt off the court by watching teams play and even attending team trainings

CNC: What is the biggest challenge and what is the most rewarding? 

RR: The biggest challenge is adapting to every game, no two games are the same and no one will have a perfect game there is always things to work on and you will make mistakes. However those mistakes become the best opportunity to learn and grow your game.

The most rewarding part is being able to give back to netball and be involved in various levels of the game from grassroots and now getting into the high performance side of it. Another rewarding part is the friendships and support networks you make along the way and being able to help grow the sport of umpiring. 

CNC: What is the biggest game you've umpired to date, what was the experience like and what did you take from it?

RR: The biggest game I have umpired so far would have to be my national league debut game Mainland vs Marvels which was also televised. Although very nerve racking to start with once the game was going I settled into it. it was a very fun experience being able to live out something that was a dream of mine. Along with all of the feedback I got from the umpire coaches it was also a good time to reflect a bit that no matter what stage you are on or what level the game is,  it is just just another game of netball and the basics are still the same. 

Also getting to umpire an England training game and a South Africa fast 5 training game would also be high up on my list.

CNC: What would you say to someone interested in umpiring but they're still not sure? 

RR: Definitely give it a try, it’s a great way to grow your confidence, keep fit and also give back to netball. You can make life long friends along the way and can open the door to lots of opportunities down the track to travel for tournaments. If you are still not sure, find someone that is already involved in umpiring and I’m sure they will be more than willing to support and help you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, I’m always happy to have a chat with anyone if they have any questions about umpiring.

Article added: Friday 17 March 2023