Umpires

This page is dedicated to umpires.

We know many umpires are not 'attached' to teams and we want to ensure you are kept informed about issues which affect you. Therefore, Max, our umpiring secretary is going to be keeping an up-to-date list of all Worcestershire umpires and will send out regular emails. If you are not sure if you are on list contact her on the link below to check.

umpiring secretary

We have also created an WCNL Umpires WhatsApp group - to get answers to our queries, to share a scenario to see if you could have made a different decision and to help each other out if we need cover. If you wish to be added to the group please email our Umpiring Secretary (link above).

All England Full Domestic Rules Guidance - Officiating Resources

WCNL Umpiring Policy - Policies

There are other policies in the 'policy section' which are relevant to umpires so please visit the policies section of the website and read appropriate policies.

Want to become an umpire?

INTO Officiating Award

Perfect for those that want to get to know the rules of netball and to officiate at a local level or in a school environment. Delegates will need to attend a full-day course (approx fee £45), you will need to then umpire to gain necessary experience before taking a written test and being observed by an approved assessor. This qualification lasts for 4 years and umpires can take the INTO officiating award twice. In order to then continue to umpire you would need to move onto your C Award.

C Award

As well as umpiring at a local level, the C Award qualification allows umpires to umpire at a higher level - higher local divisions and regional level. Again delegates will need to attend a C Award full-day course (approx fee £45), you will then need to get an assessor work with you as well as umpiring to gain necessary experience before taking a written test and practical test. This qualification has no expiry.

Other more advanced courses/qualifications are available, however, the above courses/qualifications are relevant for umpires wishing to umpire in the WCNL. For more information or to register your interest in becoming a suitably qualified umpire, please email

Umpiring Secretary

Younger Umpires

Umpires aged between 16 and 18 years of age can umpire any match according to the qualification required by leagues, but England Netball recommend they do not umpire ‘senior’ matches but Under 18 or younger. With that in mind, England Netball know there are some very capable younger umpires so are keen for leagues to operate in the best interests of individuals.

WCNL are committed to encouraging anyone to become a qualified umpire regardless of age, sex, race or religion. However, we are also committed to ensuring the welfare of younger umpires.

If you are a qualified umpire under 18 years of age, you are unable to umpire in the WCNL until you have been observed by a suitable member of the WCNL Committee. Your qualification is not in doubt, however, the committee will be observing your confidence to umpire in a senior league based on England Netball's recommendations. Further details are available in our young umpires policy (see link above to policy section of the website).