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🧭 Pathways in Whistleblowing: How Mayfield Supports Junior Umpires from Bronze to C Badge
- Jun 7, 2025
- 4 min read
At Mayfield Netball Club, we believe that every young person should have the opportunity to step onto the court with confidence — not just as a player, but also as a leader. One of the most empowering and rewarding ways our members can grow is through umpiring.
For players aged 12 and up, Mayfield considers you "ready" to begin your umpiring journey. With a structured development pathway supported by both the National Umpire Development Framework and Newcastle Netball Association (NNA), we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from your first whistle as a Bronze-level learner, to working toward your national C Badge accreditation.
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👟 Where It All Begins: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
The first steps toward becoming a confident umpire start locally — with a system of recognition designed to support junior umpires as they learn. This includes:
🥉 Bronze Award
🥈 Silver Award
🥇 Gold Award
These awards, set out by Newcastle Netball Association (NNA), are stepping stones toward national accreditation. Here's exactly how to start, what’s expected at each level, and who to speak to.
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🥉 Bronze Award – Your First Umpiring Experience
Who it's for: Members who are ready and interested in umpiring for the first time.
How to get started:
1. The 12 Years Umpire Education Theory Session was held in February this year. If you missed it, don’t worry — email umpiring@mayfieldnetball.com.au to ask about catch-up opportunities or the next available session.
2. Complete the NNA Umpire Quiz (your club will provide the form).
3. Start umpiring entry-level games wearing a yellow learner umpire vest, which can be borrowed from the umpire office at National Park or Parkway Ave.
What you’ll learn:
Basic rules (e.g. stepping, held ball, throw-ins).
How to hold and use a whistle.
Understanding your side of the court and co-umpire responsibilities.
Building confidence and presence on the court.
> Tip: Practise at training first! Umpiring your team’s drills and practice games helps you feel comfortable before stepping into competition.
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🥈 Silver Award – Building Rule Knowledge and Court Presence
How to get started:
1. Complete the Netball Australia Foundation Umpire Course online:
Make sure to download and send your certificate to Mayfield or directly to NNA.
2. Complete and submit the NNA Umpire Quiz.
3. Umpire up to two games (typically 11s or older) where you will be observed by a coaching umpire from NNA.
Silver Award Practical Criteria:
Know which side of the court you're responsible for and how to track the centre pass.
Blow a loud and clear whistle.
Use correct hand signals (e.g. stepping, direction of play).
Attempt to position yourself well to make good decisions.
Penalise basic infringements confidently.
Once these are achieved, and the assessor feels you’re ready, you’ll receive your Silver Award.
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🥇 Gold Award – Demonstrating Game Control
How to get started:
1. Complete the National Rules of Netball Theory Exam online (minimum 70% pass).
2. Provide your certificate to the NNA Umpires Convenor.
3. Umpire up to two games, assessed by an NNA official, where you apply your knowledge in live match conditions.
Gold Award Practical Criteria:
Demonstrate all Silver-level competencies.
Begin to recognise more complex rules: contact, obstruction, breaking, and over a third.
Show confidence and control over the game.
Position yourself accurately and make timely, consistent decisions.
At this stage, you’ll feel more independent and may begin umpiring higher division games with support as needed.
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🏅 C Badge – The First National Accreditation
Once you’ve earned your Gold Award and you’re confidently umpiring games, you can be put forward for C Badge testing, which is the entry point into the national accreditation system. Requirements include:
Completion of the Foundation Umpire Course (must be within 4 years).
Pass the Rules of Netball Theory Exam (70% or higher).
A practical assessment in a full-length match (4 x 10, 12, or 15-minute quarters).
C Badge umpires are expected to:
Manage game flow.
Communicate clearly and effectively.
Apply all relevant rules with consistency and confidence.
Be safe, fair, and approachable on court.
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🤝 No Umpires Convenor? No Problem — We’re All in This Together
Mayfield Netball Club does not currently have a formal Umpires Convenor, but we’re still deeply committed to supporting our umpires. We work closely with Newcastle Netball Association and rely on:
Experienced players and coaches.
Committed parents and team managers.
Badged umpires willing to support the next generation.
Together, we create a learning environment where young umpires can develop safely and confidently.
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📣 Call Out to Badged Umpires – You’re Needed!
If you're a badged umpire at Mayfield Netball Club, we warmly invite you to step into a mentorship role.
Your experience is a vital resource for our learners. Whether you can:
Watch a learner umpire and offer feedback,
Coach at training sessions,
Help guide a Bronze or Silver Award assessment,
Or simply be a friendly, approachable presence —
You can make a big difference.
Please email umpiring@mayfieldnetball.com.au if you're willing to help.
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👟 Tips for New Umpires (and Their Supporters)
For learner umpires:
Practise at team training.
Know your court area and responsibilities.
Blow your whistle with confidence.
Use hand signals and learn rule terminology.
Don’t worry about perfection — just try your best and keep learning.
For support people:
Stay with the umpire the whole game.
Never make decisions for them.
Offer calm guidance during quarter and half-time breaks.
Praise effort and small wins!
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📚 Useful Links and Contacts
🔗 Foundation Umpire Course & Rules Exam
📧 Questions or want to get involved?
📱 Follow us for updates and inspiration:
Instagram: @mayfieldnetballclub
Facebook: Mayfield Netball Club NSW
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