Netball Umpires

Netball Umpires

Overview of the role

The Leeds Sport Social Netball League is one of the largest in the UK with 36 teams competing each week. Umpires are responsible for officiating 2 hours per week during term time and the role is vital in supporting the success and sustainability of this thriving league. This role is ideal for students who wish to gain more experience as a netball umpire as well as support their fellow netballers. It is a fun and challenging role and you will be helping your fellow students to enjoy sport whilst at university as well as developing your own skills.

Duties & responsibilities

• Deliver a minimum of 2 hours umpiring per week in the Leeds Sport Social Netball League (Tuesday & Friday 12-4pm)
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of social netball at the university
• Represent the University & Leeds Sport in a positive manner
• Complete the Netball Umpire employability portfolio 3 times a year
• Provide regular feedback and good news stories from your sessions
• Maintain open lines of communication with the Leeds Sport team
• Attend development meetings, coaching workshops and CPD’s as appropriate

Skills & experience required

• Prior experience of playing/ umpiring in netball
• A sound understanding of the rules of netball and how to apply them in a game situation
• Weekly commitment to the delivery of matches and related administration during term time
• Be willing and able to engage with the programme in its entirety including induction, ongoing training and mentoring meetings
• Enthusiasm & energy
• Good communication skills
• Reliable & Trustworthy
• Flexible & Adaptable
• A passion for helping more people enjoy competitive netball

Skills developed

Communication, Team Working, Leadership, Flexibility, Planning & Organisation, Independent working, Time management.

Training & support

We want you to have the very best volunteering experience with us; therefore we take care to ensure you get the training and support you need to carry out your role including:

• An initial induction to the organisation and the role
• Access to bursary funding for England Netball umpiring qualifications (up to £75 per umpire)
• Regular mentoring, observations and feedback with the Leeds Sport team

Any further training and support needs will be discussed with the School & Community Engagement Coordinator, who will be your main point of contact.

Reward & recognition

The time and skills that you provide are invaluable and we make every effort to ensure you feel appreciated in your role. Leeds Sport is invested in retaining volunteers and ensuring their volunteering is a supportive, high quality experience working to the common aims of growing university sport and developing students skills. All Netball Umpires will be eligible for the following:

• A uniform in the form of a Leeds Sport leadership t-shirt to wear during their sessions
• Access to The Edge facility on an Edge Club membership
• Access to bursary funding to achieve recognised umpiring qualifications
• Volunteer of the month awards
• References from our staff team

Commitment

Ideally you will be able to commit 2-4 hours per week during term time, consisting of a minimum of 2 hours umpiring, travel to and from matches and administration time.  Matches take place Tuesday & Friday from 12-4pm so your volunteering will take place within this time frame. If you are likely to find this commitment difficult, please speak to the School & Community Engagement Coordinator who will be able to discuss this in more detail.

You will be required to attend any training relevant to your role in line with the Leeds Sport minimum deployment guidelines for volunteers.

Further information

• Netball Umpires are responsible to Rachel Wilson, Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator in the Leeds Sport Team
• Online applications for the 25-26 academic year have now OPEN and CLOSE on the 28th March 2025.
• Following your online application you may be invited for an informal meeting or group briefing with the Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator to discuss the role