Netball Umpires

Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October

The NIAS Netball Umpires program is delivered in partnership with Netball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young Netballer Umpires, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. It aligns with the Netball NSW Player Development Pathway and connects athletes to state and national pathways.

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance trials. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent NIAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Opportunities to represent NIAS at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Netball Umpire development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games, Netball NSW Academy Challenge and Inter-Academy netball activities (invitation only)
  • Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
 

Additional NIAS benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through NIAS media channels

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turning 15 or 16 in 2027 (born 2011 or 2012)
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Netball.
  • Be a registered member of a Netball club within the Northern Inland region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, and Warrumbungle.
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Netball Umpire‑specific and NIAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Netball NSW pathway events.

Program Delivery Period
October 2026 to April 2027

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Academy Games: 10th-12th April, 2026 *
  • Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC *
  • Netball NSW Talent ID & State Events: TBC*

    *invitation only

Coach: Dana Dehm

Grace Kelso
Madeline Robinson
Maddison Connole
Sophie Wykes