Umpire Mentors

BNA Umpire Mentor Program 

Umpire mentors are an integral part of every umpire’s development. They provide support and guidance for umpires at all levels, assisting with skill development and increasing confidence. Feedback to umpires should be consistent and accurate. Umpire mentors are encouraged to use the resources available (*link to mentor resources).

Reflect on when you first started umpiring:
• What feelings did you have going out on court?
• Did you have a mentor? What positive impact did they have on your experience?
• How can you use your own experience to help others?

Umpire Mentors should have:
•Good technical umpiring knowledge.
•Ability to teach and develop skills.
•Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
•Ability to identify positives as well as areas for improvement.
•Ability to provide constructive feedback to encourage progression.
•Ability to adapt feedback depending on individual learning styles.

Communication & Feedback
•Keep it simple – don’t assume prior knowledge.
•Be short and clear.
•Be positive and encouraging – feedback sandwich.
•Only give one or two areas for development at a time – ensure they understand the feedback and apply it before adding a new focus.
•Ensure expectations are realistic.
•Adapt feedback to individual learning styles.

Child Safety
Umpire mentors must abide by certain behavioural standards when working with children and young people.
Umpire mentors should:
•Have valid a Working with Children Check – preferably with details upload to Netball Connect.
•Complete the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People course on Netball Learning (This is a mandatory component to accreditation recertification.)

Children and Young People should be:
•Treated fairly and respectfully
•Not treated in a manner that is degrading, frightening or humiliating.
•Not engaged with beyond the boundary of your role of umpire mentor.
•Only physical contacted if appropriate to the delivery of mentoring and with consent of the young person.

Umpires, and mentors, under the age of 18 should wear a Green Band, as part of Netball Victoria’s Green Band initiative. Find out more here: Green Band initiative - Netball VIC

Preparation & Planning
•Understand the goals of the umpire development program
•Review the beginner umpire’s experience level and needs (see further detail below)
•Plan simple, achievable focus areas for each session (e.g., positioning, signals, confidence)
•Arrive prepared and on time

Active Observation & Sideline Behaviour
•Actively watch the entire game (not just the play near the ball)
•Position yourself appropriately on the sideline to follow play
•Stay engaged at all times — no phone use or distractions
•Do not coach during live play unless appropriate (e.g., breaks only)
•Model positive sideline behaviour
•Respect players, coaches, and other officials at all times

Mentoring Approach
•Be approachable, patient, and supportive
•Lead by example (professionalism, behaviour, attitude)
•Build trust and rapport
•Encourage self-reflection (“What did you think of that call?”)
•Adapt mentoring style to the individual

Communication & Feedback
•Provide feedback at appropriate times (quarter breaks, post-game)
•Start with positives before areas for improvement
•Keep feedback simple, clear, and relevant to their level
•Use correct netball terminology (e.g., “contact,” “obstruction,” “advantage”)
•Encourage questions and discussion

Progress & Follow-Up
•Set 1–2 simple goals for the next game
•Acknowledge improvement and effort
•Keep notes on progress and areas of development
•Encourage ongoing learning and rule knowledge