A group of dedicated volunteers is committed to developing netball umpires regionwide.
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Shavaughn Neale, along with other passionate members, formed an umpiring mentors group last year.
"We contacted Lanes and Games and discussed the idea of using the games that they play down there as a bit of a training camp," she said. "Thankfully, they were extremely receptive, and they've been really supportive."
"We've been backed by AFL Wimmera-Mallee as well, which is great."
Last year, the group completed 20 national badges, as part of the umpiring education pathway.
"It's absolutely outstanding in anyone's language. Not even in other areas, where they have the same amount of people we do, would they expect those sorts of numbers," Neale said.
The group consists of experienced umpires from the Wimmera and Horsham District leagues.
"We do find people in regional areas generally get their C Badge, and that's where they stay. A and B Grade badges require a lot of commitment. They generally had to go to Ballarat or Bendigo to try and get high level mentoring," Neale said.
"That's where our group last year, we had the resources to be able to help two local girls obtain their B badge."
Neale's work saw her named a finalist in Netball Victoria's Contribution to Umpiring award last year.
"It was absolutely amazing, and it's certainly not what you go into these roles to do. I was chuffed that some people around the region though that my efforts were worthy of such a nomination," she said.
Neale was hopeful more people would give umpiring a chance.
"Without umpires, like with every sport, it just can't happen," she said,
"If someone is thinking about it, just come and have a go. We will support them in every way, shape and form to get them to a level where they fall in love with it."
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