Umpires
Interested in becoming an umpire?
Contact our Umpires’ Convenor on hhncumpire@gmail.com to get started!
New Umpires
HHNC welcomes new umpires from the age of 13, or when they move to Inters.
New umpires will normally be umpiring either an 5pm/6pm Thursday night game or 8.00am Saturday game or (i.e. 9s or 10s games).
There is also the 9-year grading round robin which is an umpire’s first experience of umpiring.
Buddy System
All umpires are buddied by a fellow Hornsby Heights umpire each week. Buddies are there to support the umpires and provide feedback and areas for improvement.
All umpires are expected to Buddy other umpires once they have gained some experience, usually in the second year. This is the way an umpire can give back to the club for the support they received as a junior umpire.
National Development of Umpires
Our more senior umpires are coached by KNA. The National program for umpires at KNA is overseen by the KNA Umpiring Committee and can be contacted on knaump@kna.com.au.
The National badging process at KNA is in line with the Framework provided by Netball Australia.
Badges and Pay Rates
Umpire Badges and Pay
As you improve your umpiring skills you will be assessed and awarded badges. When you start you are given the status of NB which means Non-Badged and your status determines which games you are able to umpire. You are also paid for umpiring and your pay rate is determined on your badge.
Payments are compiled and paid at the end of each season.
Carnivals are a great way to learn and develop new skills from KNA committee members and other senior umpires. There is usually payment for Carnivals as well.
Changing Umpire Times
If you’re unable to umpire a scheduled game, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing hhncumpire@gmail.com. KNA requires any changes to be communicated by 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before the game. Last-minute cancellations due to commitments known in advance are discouraged, as they create challenges for the club and the competition.
If you are ill after the Wednesday deadline, please contact the Umpire Convenors as soon as possible (phone numbers will be provided later). Both are available via WhatsApp. You can also use the umpiring email, hhncumpire@gmail.com.
For quick updates on game day, we use a WhatsApp group. All umpires are added to this group, which is the best place to communicate availability and find replacements quickly.
Communication
We communicate with all umpires primarily via email, so it’s important to keep your email address up to date and check your inbox regularly. We also require a mobile number in case we need to reach you urgently, such as on Saturday mornings if we need to find a last-minute replacement or if a game has been cancelled.
Support and Well-being
If you ever feel intimidated or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Emily, Ella, and Karen are often at the HHNC tent or on court and are happy to assist. Your buddy umpire is also there to help. We want to ensure that all umpires feel comfortable, supported, and confident. Most importantly, we want you to have fun and enjoy your umpiring experience!