Netball Umpires

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now OPEN

NOMINATE NOW

The WSAS Digital Realty 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 WSAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

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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 WSAS 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
  • Access to Sydney West Sports Medicine’s Long‑Term Athlete Development opportunities
 

Additional WSAS benefits:

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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Umpire athletes must:

  • Be aged 14-18 years in 2027 (born 2009-2013)
  • Be a registered member of a Netball club within the Western Sydney region.
  • Be an unbadged umpire or hold a C Badge.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, or The Hills.
The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.
 
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Netball Umpire‑specific and WSAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Netball NSW pathway events.

Selection Timeline

  • Nominations Open: 1st September 2026
  • Nominations Close: 5th October 2026
  • Trials and/or Selection Period: October–November 2026

Program Delivery Period

January 2027 – September 2027

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Netball NSW Academy Camp: 13th – 14th March 2027
  • Your Local Club Academy Games: 9th – 11th April 2027 (Tamworth)
  • Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC *