Several Umpire Coaches from Netball Northern were proud to be part of the Umpire Coach Panel at the recent North Island Junior Championships — a development experience that proved both rewarding and enriching.
The tournament offered a unique platform for the coaches to contribute meaningfully to the growth of young umpires while sharpening their own skills. The collaborative environment fostered across coaching teams from different zones sparked professional dialogue, valuable knowledge-sharing, and ongoing support.
A highlight of the event was the introduction of Trello as a tool for coaching and ranking umpires. The platform streamlined notetaking and feedback in real time, especially during the busiest moments of the tournament. Coaches found it a practical and efficient way to capture observations and deliver clear, timely feedback.
The event also spotlighted a new generation of umpiring talent, with strong performances by younger officials from across the region. The Northern umpire coaches worked as a tight-knit team — adaptable, collaborative, and highly engaged throughout the weekend.
The experience was further strengthened by excellent leadership and clear communication in the lead-up to the tournament, making for a well-run and purposeful event.
Representing Netball Northern were PJ Fenton, Raewyn Vile, Sam George, and Willie Hudson — a dedicated group who returned with new insights and a shared commitment to developing umpires across their local Centres.
