The Umpire: Netball's Unsung Hero

Story by Beka Hunt, Ara New Zealand Broadcasting School

Like many team sports, netball is unplayable without the eagle eyed umpire. Two are required for each game, and clubs often have to supply their own umpires due to low numbers. Umpires have the toughest job- their split second decisions determine the flow of the game, and they often receive the attention of unhappy supporters. However, they are the backbone of the sport. Desterney Reid, who umpired at the National Tertiary Netball Championship, is an example of someone dedicated to learning the craft. Her career began in high school and she has spent years improving herself to a national level.

A mid-court player, Desterney first began umpiring to lower her pricey playing fees, making her debut on the Palmerston North courts through Netball Manawatu. As her skills progressed, Desterney fell in love with the technical challenge she was presented with. She enjoyed learning the rules, and making those split second decisions on whether it was contact or contesting. Soon, Desterney’s potential was noticed by roaming umpire coaches.

Flash forward about eight years and Desterney now belongs to the 2024 Netball Central Development Umpire squad. She has experience umpiring the Manawatu Premier 1 competition, and contributed to the U18 Nationals. Last year, Desterney attended the Silver Ferns training camp where she umpired the national team in training games- needless to say, she loved the experience. “When players are at that skill level, they know what they’re doing,” Desterney said. “They know we’re there to improve, and they know how to play clean.” The training camp was one step closer to her dream of making it to the big screen. As well as this success, Desterney is proud of her son Griffin, who has become the perfect wee supporter. Although he has taken to football, he spends most Saturdays with her at the courts and is adored by all.

The 2024 National Tertiary Netball Championships was Desterneys third. She was able to reconnect with friends and chat about the new rule changes, as many of the umpires were from the same development squad. Her favourite part of the tournament was the opportunity to make the right calls. “When the pressure is on, on the court, and you make an awesome call, you feel great. Just knowing you are capable of seeing something that happened in a millisecond is the best feeling ever.” Desterney loved the chance to work under extreme pressure. “This season there were many high calibre players who play in the NNL and ANZ and they know how to play to the rules,” she said. “The intensity is crazy- you wouldn’t be able to tell it's the third or fourth game!” She was also impressed by the passion of the supporters on the sideline, if not a little amused. “It’s important to know that umpires do not care who wins. We’re there to enjoy the game, we aren’t looking at the score,” she added. “The worst thing someone could say is that we’re biased.”

The Tertiary Championship coincided with the end of the netball season, so Desterney enjoyed the opportunity for a last hurrah. Of course, there’s summer netball to be played and a pre-season umpire training- but that can wait.

Like Desterney, umpires have a story to tell of growth and determination; from the back of the home courts to the ANZ premiership, they dedicate themselves to enriching the netball experience. The National Tertiary Netball Championship was another opportunity to improve, and a time to acknowledge everyone that makes netball possible.