Zones
PIC Insurance Brokers, longstanding sponsors of Netball Northern Zone, have recommitted for a further 12 months.
Netball New Zealand’s National Development Camp (NDC) returned to Auckland in mid January, the first weekend of a three-weekend regionalised development camp. The weekend saw our Zone’s top emerging secondary school athletes, coaches, umpires, and umpire coaches invited into an environment designed to challenge them, grow their skills, and build a shared understanding of the performance environment. 26 of Northern Zone athletes, 12 coaches, 12 umpires/umpire coaches and Netball Northern staff were involved across the camp.
Experienced coach Janine Southby will be at the helm of the Southern Blast team to contest the 2026 National Netball League.
A pool of knowledgeable, competent Umpire Coaches and Umpire Assessors is required to enable umpires to develop and achieve high standards of umpiring and accreditation.
Umpire Coach – coaches the umpire to develop and improve
Umpire Assessor – assesses umpires to achieve practical awards
The role of the Umpire Coaches and Umpire Assessors is to empower umpires by using effective coaching methods that promote Umpire Centred Learning (UCL) to:
- Assist umpires in developing self-analysis
- Analyse an umpire’s performance and pinpoint strengths and areas to develop
- Communicate in an honest and constructive manner
- Make decisions that are detached and impartial
- Exercise duties in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality.
Key Functions
- Coach umpires to improve umpires’ performance and encourage progression along the accreditation pathway
- Assess umpires according to the assessment requirements set out by NNZ
Becoming a Umpire Coach
For more information on how to become a Umpire Coach and the dates of upcoming workshops, please contact your local netball centre. You can find the contacts for each centre here.
Alternatively, you can contact our Mainland Zone Umpire Lead by sending a message through our Contact Us page
Umpires must have high physical fitness to perform their duties. Umpires who hold a New Zealand Umpire Award have earned the right to wear the Netball New Zealand logo and are representing Netball New Zealand. Representing a national organisation comes with a responsibility to uphold the high standards of the award. As such, Netball New Zealand have minimum fitness standards for the various levels of netball.
Netball New Zealand, along with each Zone have put together the Community Umpiring Fitness Testing Guidelines. These guidelines are to be followed by all testers conducting the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test for umpires. Please find this resource, along with the summary template to be completed after testing and returned to the Umpire Lead, below:
2020 Community Umpiring Testing Guidelines
Fitness Testing Results Summary Template
Testing must be completed within two weeks of these dates and submitted to the Zone before these dates:
- 15th March
- 1st June
- 1st August (for umpires wishing to attend NZ Open Champs)
- 1st September
These are the levels that umpires need to meet as a minimum standard:
| Umpire Level | Yo-yo Test Level | Fitness Test Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Umpires selected by the NNZ Umpire Selectors for the NNZ Open Champs | 15.1 | 1 August each year |
| Umpires selected by the NNZ Umpire Selectors for the NNZ Secondary Schools Champs | 14.5 | 1 September each year |
| All umpires applying for NNZ U18 Champs | 14.5 | 1 June each year |
| Umpires prior to screening for NZ B or NZ C, including endorsement | 14.3 | Within two weeks of the most recent fitness testing deadline |
| All other Umpires (recommended) | 13.2 | N/A |
All umpires wishing to be appointed to NNZ events must provide current Yo-Yo Test results as per the table above. Current means within two weeks of the fitness testing deadline.
2026 Mainland Umpire Squad
Congratulations to the selected umpires & coaches. Your dedication and commitment to umpiring continue to strengthen our game across the zone and beyond.
This squad is designed to provide development opportunities and support for identified umpires from the Mainland Zone to:
- Be appointed to NNZ National Events and Competitions
- Successfully progress within the NNZ Umpire Pathway
Program Details:
January – October 2026
First opportunity: NNZ National Development Camp
Day 2 & 3: 17–18 January, Ashburton
The program includes a range of activities such as events, workshops, personal development, and match play opportunities, delivered both online and in person.
A huge thank you to all the Mainland Centres for your ongoing support!
For more information about the Mainland Umpire Squad including selection and commitments please see our policy here: Policy - Mainland Umpire Squad Updated 2025 Final.pdf
Pathway & Accreditation Framework
| Award | Pre-requisite | Practical | Endorsement | Screening | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre |
|
Local game 4x 10 minutes 2x 20 minutes Or at least 40 mins consecutive game time |
Every 4 years or gain higher badge | At least two assessors, allocated by the Centre | At least two assessors, allocated by the Centre |
| Zone |
|
Minimum 4x 10 minute game approved in the Zone or Centre | Every 4 years or gain higher badge | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Centre or Zone | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Centre or Zone |
| NZ C |
|
Game standard approved by the Zone At least 40 minute consecutive game time at a suitable level |
Every 4 years or gain higher badge | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Centre or Zone | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Centre or Zone |
| NZ B |
|
Game standard approved by the Zone - Minimum 4x 10 minutes game |
Every 4 years or gain higher badge | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Zone | At least two assessors, who may be allocated by the Zone |
| NZ A |
|
Games approved by the NNZ National Technical Officials Manager - Minimum 4x 15 minute game |
Every 4 years or gain IUA | At least two people from the NNZ Unpire Selection Panel or International Testing Panel | At least two people from the NNZ Unpire Selection Panel or International Testing Panel |
Netball New Zealand - Zone Theory and NZ Theory Exams 2026
NNZ provides online exams as prerequisites for Umpire Practical Awards. Candidates need to ensure they have access to a computer with a good internet connection.
The 2026 umpire theory exams will be on the Sport Tutor website. Details and instructions will be provided beforehand.
| Exam | Who it’s for | Format | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone Theory | Centre Award umpires | 80 multi-choice and drag/drop questions | 85% (68/80) |
| NZ Theory | Zone Award umpires | 80 questions (multi-choice, drag/drop, written) | 85% (68/80) |
Exam Time: Mondays, 6pm – 8.30pm (allow 90 mins)
Cost: $55 per exam (online payment details provided after registrations close)
See here for the latest dates for exams: Netball New Zealand
Registration
- Register via the NNZ Learning and Development site (access through the NNZ website).
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Payment is due within two weeks after registrations close.
- Centres may make one combined payment directly to NNZ (details provided in the payment email).
Preparation
- Sample and Past Exams — Available on Sport Tutor (link on NNZ website).
- NZ Theory Tutor Guide — Includes guide, webinar, past papers, and workbook, on Sport Tutor.
- Practice Exams — Released on Sport Tutor once registrations close.
- If candidates require a reader/writer, they must contact their Zone Umpire Lead via their tutor.
- Candidates must sit their exam without help from another person unless approved special conditions apply.
If you have any questions, please contact your theory tutor or the Mailand Netball Umpire Lead at