Christchurch Netball Centre game official Jamie Smith earned the prestigious New Zealand B Award this month, making him one of three Christchurch Netball Centre umpires who is NZ B qualified. 

Jamie joins Mckynlee Breen and Rebecca Reside in these elite ranks, being the third highest ranking umpires in NZ. (The top ranking is the International Umpiring Award (IUA) and the second highest is NZ A.

We talk to Jamie about this incredible honour, and his journey to this exciting point.

How did it feel to receive this news / pass this award level?

A weird mix of excitement and relief - it's been quite the journey having seen out nine seasons since I first qualified at NZC. It's been a labour of love and one at times I questioned if I’d ever have what it takes. After countless hours of match time, dozens of tournaments, training and fitness work, to be awarded my NZ B after all that was an incredibly proud moment in my umpiring career. I know the hard work doesn't stop with a badge qualification - if anything it gets harder, but I'm excited for the journey still left to travel in my umpiring career and seeing where that might take me next. 

How did your umpiring journey begin?

I started out in netball as a player in the junior ranks of Buller Netball Centre. Being from a small town, opportunities for men to play netball were rare, if at all. With mixed gender netball allowing play only to age 13, someone suggested I try out umpiring instead. It grew from there, initially rather casually on the West Coast, but becoming more serious as a sport for me at CNC when I moved to Christchurch to study. 

What have been the highlights?

There are so many little wins I've celebrated all across my umpiring career! if I had to pick highlights, my invitations to umpire the England team in camp ahead of their Taini Jamison series here in Christchurch would be high on the list. A bit of a pinch me moment being on court with names I have become familiar with on TV. Getting my first reserve appointment to the Synergy Hair Netball League this season was also a bit of a milestone.

What motivates you each season?

I love the challenge of umpiring - there can be immense pressure on officials to be 100% correct, 100% of the time. For me, that pressure is exciting. I love going out on court not knowing what I might face when that first whistle sounds. It's also very rewarding to know that I am doing my best by the players and the game to ensure our sport is played fairly and allowing teams to demonstrate their skill.

Why would you encourage anyone to become a game official?

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. 
It is people, it is people, it is people.     

Like most sporting communities, the umpiring world is full of great, knowledgeable and passionate people who truly love netball. I always come back to the people when people ask my why - you will make lifelong friends from right across our country who all share that same love for our sport, who have your back, who are invested in your success, and who you look forward to reconnecting with year after year!

For more information on development pathways available through Christchurch Netball Centre, please e-mail netball@cnc.org.nz

Young people are eligible for the CNC Whistlers programme from Year 8. This popular whānau-centric programme grows confidence, technical knowledge and game management capability. 

Article added: Friday 16 August 2024