What is the Green Shirt Program?

The Green Shirt Program is a practical umpiring course that was introduced to netball associations in 2007 and has been continually developed into the successful program that we run today.

The program is aimed at training and developing umpires of all ages towards their National C badge. The Winter Program will run on Saturday with the 12&U age group and above.

What are the benefits for me as an umpire?

If you really want to learn to umpire, there is no better start than the Green Shirt Program. The training received is delivered by experienced umpire coaches.

The aim of the program is to ensure that new umpires are easily recognisable and are fully supported by the association, reducing the pressure and lessening abuse and conflict directed towards new officials.

Benefits of this program include:

• start your journey on the umpire pathway,
• develop umpiring skills and techniques,
• learning the correct procedures and protocols of umpiring;
• ongoing coaching by the Umpire Coaching Team and
• support in the event of issues with spectators, coaches or players

I am involved in Winter as a player for my club, can I do both?

Yes, of course you can. Umpires who are selected for the Green Shirts program are able to play for their club teams and umpire the timeslot which does not clash with their game.

What are all the fees associated with the Training AND the program if I get in?

A fee of $67 covers the training and trial sessions and is payable online at the time of registration.

The cost of the program, running from April to August/September is $150.

This includes:   

• A meet and greet with all the Umpiring Academy
• Training session prior to the start of the season;
• a minimum of 8 weeks of umpiring matches with umpire support; you will receive payment courtside for your umpiring;
• courtside feedback delivered by experienced umpire coaches;
• Further training sessions specifically for Greenshirt umpires only
• Rules discussion and Game management workshops
• subsidized badging costs and
• the loan of the green polo shirt.

Prior to taking the court as an official, all WDNA umpires must have completed/passed:

• Rules of Netball Exam Certificate $12.50 and
• Foundation Umpire Course $45

These costs are in addition to the cost of the program  and are paid online through the Netball learning portal. They are valid for 4 years and do not need to be completed until you are selected into the program.

 Is there an age barrier?

No, we strongly encourage mature umpires to come through our program. Over the last few years we have managed to attract a number of adults who have enjoyed and successfully progressed through the program.

Junior umpires should be born in 2011 (turning 13 in 2024). We do allow younger umpires to do the training and the trials but they must have played at least one season in full rules before they can apply to enter this program.

Selection into the program is based on ability with all umpires facing the same criteria.

Is there an Umpire Uniform?

Each umpire must also have a white skirt/skorts, a Thunderer whistle and  rule book.

The umpiring academy has Thunderer Whistles, skorts, caps, visors and rain jackets for sale, however you do not have to purchase provided they meet the above requirements.

The rule book is also available as a downloadable app.

Should you be awarded your National C Badge within the season an additional payment of $45 is payable, this goes towards the cost of badging fees (admin, cost of the panel and NWA fees) which is subsidised by WDNA. WDNA will also provide you with a White Graduate Shirt for you to keep once you have returned your Green Shirt.

Can I sign straight up for the Winter season?

All umpires that are NEW to this program must attend our compulsory training program. Training will be held at the WDNA Clubrooms and includes both practical and theory drills. There are two training sessions and you can select which date you will attend during your registration. Please note umpires who do not attend the training will not be eligible for the program. Theses dates are:

Training:

Trials:

OK, I’m definitely interested –  what must I commit to?

Firstly you must register in Play HQ – click here – please take the time to read through the information BEFORE you register.

Secondly attend one of EACH training day one and training day two sessions.

Finally, attend two Trials.

Greenshirt selections will be capped, those successful will be invited to continue with the training program for Winter 2024.

*Umpires who have already completed the training process should reach out to the umpiring team at umpiring@wdna.net.au before registering.