Umpires appointed to 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague

The final squad was selected based on match assessment data from England Netball leagues and competitions, and on international matches.

All umpires selected will now take part in a performance camp in early January which will provide them with an opportunity to upskill on a number of topics.

Returning for her ninth season, four-time Vitality Netball Superleague Grand Final umpire Jackie Mizon said: “I’m excited for the challenge that umpiring in this league brings, especially in a World Cup year.

“Teams have consolidated and grown to make the league stronger than ever and I’m very proud to continue being actively involved.”

Commenting on his re-inclusion in the squad, Chris Molloy said: “I am delighted to be back in the squad after a year away.

“I came out of the league after the 2017 season as I couldn’t commit the time required due to a number of responsibilities in my life away from netball.

“I knew I needed to fall back in love with the sport and umpiring so I went back to where it all began, my local regional league.

“I was back in my comfort zone and my only focus was to get back out there and enjoy my umpiring again.

“Previously I was focused on what everyone else was doing and not my own performances and development.

“I think this approach puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on you as an individual.

“I started enjoying it again with the sole focus on what I could do to get back on track not worrying about others.

“That obviously showed as I was identified again at the NPL tournament in the summer with the assessors commenting that it was the best they had seen me umpire.

“I was never focused on the Vitality Netball Superleague just doing the best for me so being selected was an added bonus!”

Returning to the Vitality Netball Superleague following maternity leave, Natalie Gregan said: “After having two seasons out of the Vitality Netball Superleague because of my pregnancy, I am delighted to have been included as part of this year’s squad of umpires.

“I have been in constant communication with my umpiring mentor throughout my maternity to ensure that I was prepared to take to the court again and am up to date with how the game has changed.

“I cannot wait to get started and be back doing what I am passionate about.

“I am so grateful to my family for the support they give me to allow me to do everything that I love – I could not do it without them.

“Bring on VNSL 2019, I want to show my little boy just what his mummy can do!”

One of the newest additions to the group, Sarah Drake from Yorkshire, commented: “My aim was to make the longlist for the 2019 VNSL squad so this is a massive bonus.

“I’ve worked really hard and put in the hours with my mentors in Yorkshire and I’m proud to have got to this level so soon.”

The Vitality Netball Superleague will run concurrently with the U21 and U19 leagues which will provide a better opportunity for an interchange of umpires between these competitions.

Vitality Netball Superleague Assessors will be on hand to provide support and feedback to all umpires to ensure a consistently high standard of performance with a focus on developing the next generation of umpires.

The new season begins with Super 10 at the Arena Birmingham on the 5th January 2019 – get tickets to see all 10 teams go head-to-head!

All appointments are made pending submission of the required fitness scores (9.1 Multi-stage Fitness Test or 15.1 Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test).