Netball Umpires
Nominations for the 2027 program are now OPEN
The Southern Sports Academy (SSA) Netball Program is delivered through the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network in partnership with Netball NSW.
The program provides an individualised, positive, safe, holistic and inclusive development experience for athletes aged 15–16 years and umpire athletes aged 14–18 years.
The program supports the systematic identification, development and preparation of emerging talent and strengthens the Netball NSW Performance Pathway, while prioritising athlete welfare, program integrity, affordability and a consistent, athlete-centred pathway experience across RAS Member Academies.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
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 SSA 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 SSA benefits:
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through SSA media channels
Pathway
The SSA Netball Program aligns with the Netball NSW ‘Sparkle, Strive, Shine’ pathway, which also aligns with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) FTEM (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) framework. The SSA Netball Program is part of the T2 phase of the pathway, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent (ET) to Talent.
Athlete Eligibility
Umpire athletes must:
- Be aged 14–18 years in 2027 (born 2009-2013)
- Be a registered member of a Netball club within the Southern
- Be an unbadged umpire or hold a C Badge.
Training partners may be selected in accordance with the program structure and Netball NSW requirements.
- Up to six umpire athletes and up to six umpire training partners may be selected.
Athlete Levy
An athlete scholarship levy of $550 + GST applies and covers the program benefits outlined above, along with a range of additional athlete development opportunities throughout the season.
Netball Umpire trials will have a $10 trial fee, payable on the day. (Card payments only)
Uniform costs are additional, with Netball‑specific and SSA items purchased through the official supplier.
Additional event costs may also apply throughout the season.
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
January 2027 – September 2027
Program Blocks
- Block 1: January – Academy Games (April).
- Block 2: July – Academy Challenge (September).
Athlete Nomination & Selection Timeline
- Nominations Open: 21st of September 2026
- Nominations Close: 11th of October 2026
- Trials: Saturday October 31st 2026, PCYC Wagga Wagga (9:30am-12:30pm). $10 fee (card payments only)
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: September, 2027
- Netball NSW Talent ID & State Events: TBC
2027 Squad
Umpire Mentors
Squad TBA Post Trial
