Welcome to #TeamWhite
Netball is changing. Participation is growing, more clubs are developing and players are getting faster and stronger. High quality umpiring at all levels is now more essential than ever in helping us achieve our vision, for Netball in Scotland to be a thriving, world class sport.
Irrespective of age, ability, or experience at playing netball, if you have a passion for the game and can successfully complete Netball Scotland’s Online Introduction to Umpiring and then complete your C Award Course you can start your journey to becoming a netball umpire.
New Umpires learn by getting out there and having a go. Contact your local league or drop us an email via Educationadmin@netballscotland.com and we’ll help you to find somewhere to get started.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Netball Scotland recognises Umpires from other countries who take up residence in Scotland may have relevant umpiring qualifications from other countries. Every effort will be made to acknowledge prior learning and enter the umpire at an appropriate level on the Netball Scotland Accreditation pathway. Any learner wishing to apply for RPL should download the Europe Netball Officiating Transfer Policy and return this to educationadmin@netballscotland.com
Umpire Performance Pathway
We are delighted to launch the 4th year of the Umpire Performance Pathway, a programme dedicated to supporting Umpires who want to reach the top of their game and excel in their performances. The programme will be for High Performance Umpires and those who have achieved their A (or Talent ID) and want to progress further and B Award umpires working towards their A Umpire Award.
Being part of the UPP takes a significant level of commitment from the individual umpires. Upon acceptance to be a part of this programme, umpires are expected to participate in all identified activities, events and demonstrate a high level of commitment to their own personal development. It is also the expectation that umpires within this program, where reasonable, maintain a commitment to umpiring their respective league competitions.
The UPP runs from 1st September 2025 – 31st August 2026.
- Obligations of the Umpire:
You agree that You will: –
- attend competitions in which Netball Scotland is engaged, please see below:
- Netball Scotland Super Cup
- National Finals Day
- Scottish Thistle Competition
- National League
- participate in any competition/matches in which You are selected to umpire for Netball Scotland;
- attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and umpire preparation; and
- undertake such other duties and to participate in such other activities as are consistent with the performance of Your duties and as are reasonably required of You.
If you have any further questions please contact Julie Bateman via educationadmin@netballscotland.com
Our Game Management Workshop is an practical and interactive CPD opportunity designed to support umpires at all stages of their journey. Delivered by experience educators, the workshop focuses on building confidence, consistency, and control in game situations.
Umpires will explore effective communication strategies, decision-making under pressure, managing player and coach behaviour, and maintaining game flow while upholding the spirit of the game. Through scenario-based discussions and shared learning, umpires will develop tools they can immediately apply on court.
This workshop provides a supportive learning environment, encourages reflection, and promotes best practice in umpiring across the country – helping official feels confident, prepared, and empowered every time they step on court.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, umpires will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques to manage players, coaches and captains confidently
- Apply strategies to manage challenging behaviours and situations calmly and consistently
- Make clear, decisive decisions under pressure while maintaining game flow
- Use preventative umpiring approaches to reduce conflict and escalation
- Reflect on personal game management style and identify areas for development
This is a 2 hour workshop and is delivered virtually.
Cost:
Contact educationadmin@netballscotland.com for further details.
Vision, Positioning & Timing (VPT)
The Vision, Positioning and Timing (VPT) Workshop is a practical CPD opportunity designed to help umpires improve accuracy, confidence, and consistency in decision-making. Suitable for umpires at all stages, the workshop focuses on being in the right place, at the right time, with the right view.
Through practical examples, on-court scenarios, and group discussion, umpires will develop a clearer understanding of optimal court positioning, effective movement patterns, and timing decisions to enhance sightlines and judgement. The workshop also explores how vision and timing link to game flow and control.
This engaging and supportive session equips umpires with tools to refine their craft, build confidence, and apply best-practice VPT principles consistently in match situations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, umpires will be able to:
- Identify optimal positioning to achieve the best sightlines for accurate decision-making
- Apply effective movement patterns to maintain vision throughout dynamic play
- Demonstrate improved timing when making decisions, allowing play to develop appropriately
- Understand the link between vision, positioning, timing, and overall game control
- Reflect on personal VPT practice and implement strategies for continuous improvement
Cost:
Contact educationadmin@netballscotland.com for further details.
Local Associations are now required to hold U15/17 junior events/lower league games for C umpiring assessments/endorsements.
Netball Scotland will provide the assessors for the event and the event will be set up via go membership for candidates to book on. Netball Scotland will also prepare the schedule for the candidates and assessors.
Candidates must contact their local association to arrange.
