Help under 18 and new umpires feel safe, valued and confident to develop.
Find your roleEVERY UMPIRE
STARTS
SOMEWHERE.
Picking up a whistle takes courage. Building confidence takes practice.
Support Our Umpires is a four-week Netball Northern Ireland campaign supporting under 18 umpires and people new to umpiring at any age.
Some young umpires already have experience. Some new umpires start later in life. Every umpire deserves respect, encouragement and the opportunity to develop.
To encourage respectful behaviour and practical support that help under 18 and new umpires feel safe, valued and confident to develop.
A netball community where every umpire is treated with respect, young officials are supported and new umpires of every age can learn, progress and choose to stay in the game.
What you say and how you respond can shape an umpire’s experience.
Choose your role to find practical ways to help.
Looking for policies or support?A decision may not go your way. What happens next is your choice.
Your example influences players, your bench and supporters.
A shout, an eye roll or a sarcastic comment can stay with the person holding the whistle long after the match.
Shouting, sarcasm and intimidation have no place in an umpire’s development or in our game.
A calm conversation and practical advice can make a lasting difference.
Whether you are under 18, new to umpiring, or both, you deserve to feel safe, valued and supported on court.
Confidence develops through experience, encouragement and constructive guidance. A difficult moment should be an opportunity to learn.
If you need guidance or want to raise a concern, use NNI’s existing policy and support routes below.
Find policies & supportTwo posts each week.
Sunday 6pm · Wednesday 3pm
Northern Ireland time
Recognise the person behind the whistle and the respect every umpire deserves.
Understand how confidence develops and how our reactions affect umpires.
Turn respect into practical actions for players, coaches and clubs.
Celebrate encouragement, constructive feedback and support that continues.
Find NNI’s published guidance on conduct, safeguarding and raising concerns.
All policies & proceduresRead NNI’s Code of Conduct for the behaviour expected across our netball community.
Read the Code of Conduct PDF · opens in a new tabUse NNI’s Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy and Procedures for its guidance and reporting routes.
Read the safeguarding policy PDF · opens in a new tabRead NNI’s Complaints Policy for the published process and contact details.
Read the Complaints Policy PDF · opens in a new tabFor a safeguarding concern, refer to the safeguarding policy above.
Find NNI’s guidance on whistleblowing and confidential disclosure in its published policy.
Read the disclosure policy PDF · opens in a new tabFor general questions about Netball Northern Ireland, email the NNI office.
admin@netballni.orgFor concerns or complaints, follow the relevant policy above.
At your next match, take a moment to thank the umpires.
Explore Respect Starts With Us