Netball Umpires

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now open!

Apply here

The NCAS 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 NCAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Netball_NSW_Logo

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 NCAS 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 NCAS benefits:

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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turn 14-18 in 2027 (born 2013 or 2009)
  • Be working towards a National B or C Badge.
  • Be a registered member of a Netball club within the North Coast region.
  • Associations must endorse umpire application – letter to be sent to elzie@regionalacademies.org.au
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond River, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings.
  • Attend selection trials if all other selection criteria are met.
  • Display the potential to progress through the Netball NSW Umpire Pathway.
  • Demonstrate a dedication to improving performance.
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 NCAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Netball NSW pathway events.

Selection Timeline

  • Nominations Open: 1 September 2026
  • Nominations Close: 5 October 2026
  • Trials: October 11 2026 – Woolgoolga

Program Delivery Period

November 2026 – September 2027

PROGRAM BLOCKS

  • Block 1: November – Academy Games (April).
  • Block 2: July – Academy Challenge (September).

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Netball NSW High-Performance Camp 13th-14th March 2027 (Sydney)*
  • Your Local Club Academy Games: 9th-11th April 2027 (Tamworth)*
  • Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC*
    *Invitation only

Head Coach
Leanne Rutherford

Assistant Coach
Tracey Noble

Squad
TBC