The Scottish pathway.

Overview: This is an online-only course that involves completing e-modules that give a basic understanding of the rules of netball and umpiring. This does not bring any particular status for the umpire.

Course Details:

• Delivered as e-modules for learning from home
• Introduces rules, techniques, and skills for effective umpiring
• All modules must be completed with pass marks before attending C Umpire course
• Perfect for those wanting to learn basic netball rules and start officiating

Requirements:

• Minimum Age: 13
• Must be affiliated to Netball Scotland

Overview: This is most people's first entry point on their umpiring journey. Perfect for those who wish to umpire at lower league divisions, junior level, or school competitions.

Course Structure:

• Course duration: 5½ hours total
• Pre-course work: Introduction to umpiring e-modules
• Online tutorials: 1½ hours course theory
• Practical sessions: 4 hours hands-on training

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rules
• Use correct whistle, voice and terminology
• Apply basic umpiring skills to identify and penalise infringements
• Understand positioning and movement for better decision making
• Learn game management processes

Requirements:

• Minimum age: 13 to attend course, 14 for assessment
• Affiliated Netball Scotland membership required

Overview: To qualify as a C umpire, you must complete both theory and practical assessments.

C Theory Assessment:

• Online quiz format
• Can be taken anytime throughout the year from home
• Information sent after completing C Umpire Course

C Practical Assessment:

• Assessed on approximately 30 minutes of umpiring
• Tests practical application of skills learned in course
• Must demonstrate competency in decision making and game management

Important: Both assessments must be completed within 1 year of your course date.

Overview: The next step for those aiming to umpire at higher levels, advance along the umpiring pathway, or improve their officiating skills.

Course Structure:

• Course duration: 5½ hours
• Pre-course work: Record of matches umpired and regular rules revision
• Online tutorials: 1½ hours
• Face-to-face delivery: 4 hours

Advanced Skills Covered:

• Higher level knowledge and skills application
• Umpiring in more demanding and challenging environments
• Advanced positioning, vision, and timing techniques
• Effective game management in high-level games
• Match protocols and guidelines

Requirements:

• Must be a C Umpire with minimum 1 year experience
• Minimum age: 16
• Fitness requirement: Bleep test minimum 6.1

Overview: More demanding assessments reflecting the higher level of B umpiring.

B Theory Assessment:

• Paper format examination (2 hours)
• Offered 3 times per year: February, June, and October
• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Candidates must appoint their own invigilator
• Can be held at home, office, sports venue, or school
• If you get a sufficiently strong pass mark, you will not be required to resit the Theory Assessment in order to progress to the A Practical Assessment, provided this happens within 4 years.

B Practical Assessment:

• Duration: 4 x 15 minutes or 4 x 12 minutes
• Assessment of full game of high-level netball
• Organized by Netball Scotland throughout the year

Requirements:

• Must have completed B Umpire Course
• Active Netball Scotland membership
• Assessments must be completed within 1 year of course date

Overview: The UPP group represents the elite level of umpiring in Scotland, officiating top-level games including National League and Cup Finals.

What it involves:

• Invitation-only group (though you can express interest)
• High commitment level required
• Games often involve significant travel and require early arrival for match preparations
• Pathway to obtain A Award umpire status

Competitions Include:

• National League
• District Finals Day
• Scottish Thistle Competition/Training
• Scottish Cup Finals
• Other competitions as deemed appropriate

Commitment:

• Programme runs annually (31st August - 31st August)
• Expected to participate in all identified activities
• High level of commitment to personal development
• Maintain commitment to local league competitions where reasonable

Requirements: Must be a qualified B Umpire with experience. This is the pinnacle of umpiring in Scotland.