2017 Vitality Netball Superleague Officials Long Squad Announced

Over the next few weeks all umpires will undergo a rigorous assessment programme on Premier League and International matches to determine whether they will be selected into the final group of officials used to service the league.

Representing the VNSL Assessors Panel Heather Gleadall commented: “The assessment of umpires is absolutely essential to ensure consistency of performance.

“Following feedback from an Assessor, umpires will know their strengths and the areas they must develop.”

Retired International Umpire Gleadall added: “The game is getting faster and more technically demanding and umpires must be able to cope with this.

“With continual assessment of their performances and good preparation in pre-season the umpires will be very well positioned when it comes to the final selection.”

The long squad features many returning umpires from the 2016 season, Premier League Umpires as well as ten International Umpires.

Experienced International Umpire Louise Travis said: “I’m really pleased to be selected but the hard work is still to come. During the ‘off-season’ I have been training hard and umpiring on the international stage.

“I’m off to South Africa in a few weeks to umpire at the Diamond Challenge. These appointments, together with matches in the Premier League will provide the opportunity to be seen by the assessors and selectors involved in the VNSL.

“It’s not going to be easy as we have such a strong group of officials in the UK now, but I’m hoping my hard work in the off-season will pay off.”

As part of their on-going professional development all members of the group will be invited to a high performance camp at England Netball HQ.

Content will include video analysis techniques, effective game management and playing world class advantage.

Commenting on her selection to the long squad A Award Umpire Natalie Greagan said: “I am delighted to have been selected. Over the past few years I have worked hard on my self-evaluation using video technology and alongside the assessors to get myself in the position where I am able to umpire to a high standard.

“Over the next few months, I will be concentrating on my match fitness and self-analysis so that I am in the best possible position to be considered for selection.”

England Netball would like to congratulate all the named officials in the long squad. The final selections will be made in early December with the league commencing in mid-February.

The full list is as follows: