Occupation: Headteacher
Current award and date achieved: A Award
Year started umpiring Superleague: 2017
Career highlights:
Being selected to umpire Superleague. As well as this, umpiring the u17s European championships and being selected to umpire the Canadian Championships earlier this year.
How and when did you get involved in umpiring?
My dad was a basketball referee and used to take me along to watch. Refereeing was something that he encouraged me to do. I became a netball umpire in secondary school, achieving my novice award. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I began to umpire on a more regular basis; initially ensuring my club had sufficient umpires to play in the local league.
What has been your favourite memory on or off court?
Umpiring in Belfast at the u17s Europeans and in Canada. Both were amazing opportunities and memories that will always stay with me.
Do you have any pre-match rituals before a game?
I always try to arrive in plenty of time and get to know the surroundings. I always make sure I have enough to drink and eat and complete my warm up. I like to watch the teams warm up, starting to visualise how the match will go.
What are your aspirations for the future?
One day I would like to achieve my IUA.
Who has had the biggest influence on your umpiring so far?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have a group of mentors within the East Midlands who have supported me from being a C award to an A award umpire. They continue to inspire, motivate and influence my journey as an umpire.
What is your favourite song to train/work-out too?
Anything by Sia or The Killers
Do you have any embarrassing netball moments?
Not yet but I’m sure there will be some to come!
What is the best part about being a Superleague umpire?
Being part of a fabulous team of umpires and assessors
Finally, what advice would you have for anyone who wants to Umpire in the Superleague in the future?
Work on your fitness – if you can be in the right place, at the right time, you can make the right call. Work with a mentor: listen, take note and act upon their advice.