Athlete Program

Netball Umpire

 
 

Program overview

The SESA Netball Umpire Program provides opportunity for eligible aspiring young netball umpires of the South East region of NSW to access quality development opportunities and support.

Umpires will receive expert coaching and participate in both practical and education development sessions throughout the program under guidance of the SESA umpire coach. The program is a part of a recognised Netball NSW Pathway for umpires. The program will commence in October 2025 and run until September 2026.

Scholarship holders will be required to undergo an induction process, attend weekend training camps, and participate in academy activities.

Scholarship benefits

Coaching Excellence – In a series of training sessions umpires will work with experienced umpires and coaches to develop skills.

Personal Growth – Off court sessions such as resilience to ensure umpires learn to prepare themselves off the court.

General Athletic Development – Testing and an introduction to Strength and Conditioning will improve speed, power and reactive ability on court and will lessen the chance of injury.

High level Competitive Experience - Two Academy Challenges are planned in 2026.  Umpires will have an opportunity to represent SESA at the Academy Games and / or the Academy Challenge.

Academy Camp – Academy athletes and umpires all come together at Netball Central in Sydney for a weekend camp where the girls have the opportunity to learn from the best of the best.

Athlete eligibility

To be eligible for a SESA Netball Scholarship, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Be male or female aged between 14 and 18 in 2026 (born between 2016 and 2008);

  2. Have attained or be working towards a National Umpire Award (National C or B Badge); and

  3. Be a current financial member of a local Netball NSW Association located within the South East Region.

  4. Reside in the South East region of NSW.

Selection process

Interested umpires must complete the online application form. Each applicant is reviewed by a selected panel of SESA coaches and administrators.

Conditions of scholarship

SESA Netball Umpire Scholarship holders are expected to:

  • Attend all program activities

  • Be committed and prepared to work toward improving performance

  • Be committed to a holistic approach to their development

  • Not take or use performance enhancing drugs or illegal drugs or participate in other activities that are prohibited by the South East Sports Academy Code of Conduct

  • Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing SESA

  • An athlete levy of $350 will apply which covers the cost of training sessions and induction camp.

  • A $200 levy will apply for High Performance camp and combined camp with FWAS.

  • Uniform levy $170 (mandatory for new SESA umpires). Uniform items can be purchased but not compulsory if uniform is still in good condition.

  • There is a selection process and additional fee for the Your Local Club Academy Games and the Academy Challenge.

2026 Umpire Commitment

It is expected that umpires who accept a position in this program attend the compulsory training sessions, Academy Camp and Academy Challenge. Umpires selected to attend the Academy Games will be made based on availability and consultation with the Umpire Coach.

Training sessions will alternate between various locations in the region including Queanbeyan, Bega, Canberra and Goulburn.

Application Process - 2025

  • Complete an online nomination form by 20 October 2025

  • Attend selection trials on Saturday 25 October 2025

Draft Netball Program Dates for 2025 /2026

Block 1

  • Trials - 25 October at Cooma

  • Induction Day - 7 December 2025

  • SESA Camp - 7-8 February 2026 - Cooma

  • Training session - Saturday 21 February, 9.30am -2.30pm

  • Netball NSW Academy Camp, 7-8 March, Sydney Olympic Park

  • Training session - Saturday 28 March, 9.30am -2.30pm

  • Academy Games, 17-19 April, Tamworth

Block 2

  • No in-person SESA training.

Block 3

  • Combined Academy Camp - July school holidays

  • Training session, Sunday 26 July, 9.30am -2.30pm

  • Training session, Sunday 16 August, 9.30am -2.30pm

  • Training session, Sunday 6 September, 9.30am -2.30pm

  • Academy Challenge Friday 25 - Monday 28 September - Illawarra



  • Training sessions to be held at Canberra, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Narooma, Broulee & Cooma

 
 
 
Apply now

nominations close 20 October 2025

the 2026 sesa coaching team

Simone Blay, Head Coach

Eloise Smith, Umpire Coach

Michelle Gaffey, Assistant Coach

Sharon King, Manager