Meet Chelsea Beere, 15 year old umpire from Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre
Basic Info
Name: Chelsea Beere
Age: 15
Netball Centre: Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre
Umpire Qualification: Centre Badge
About you: I have played netball since year 3 and it has always been a passion of mine, ever since I can remember I have been around netball. My older sister has been playing netball since I can remember and because of this I have gotten involved.
When did you start umpiring and how did you get started?
I stared umpiring 2 seasons ago at the end of the season. My sister has been an umpire since year 9 (5 or 6 seasons) and because of this I wanted to try it. I ended up picking it up fast and since then I have had a passion for it.
Why do you enjoy umpiring?
I enjoy umpiring because it allowed me to get my confidence. I also really enjoy it because I feel as though I am doing something to help my club out and love being able to watch teams grow throughout the season as an umpire.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenges I have had to go through during umpiring would be side-line comments. These comments really got to me when I first started umpiring, especially when I had a coach that would constantly tell me my calls were wrong from the side-line. One of my very first games had this and it really got to me. I did however talk to the coach and tell her that I was doing my best.
What has been your best experience?
One of the best experiences umpiring has been when I am told teams have requested to have me umpire them or when I turn up to the court and the coach gets excited to see me. This just reassures me that people do like me umpiring them and that I am a good umpire.
What would be your best advice for new umpires?
Focus on small things first before working your way up. Be firm on stepping, contacts, and obstruction. First focus on stepping then obstruction. Also don’t let the critics get to you just do your best!!