England Netball is delighted to confirm the final group of umpires who will officiate in the Vitality Netball Superleague 2018. The final squad was selected based on match assessment data from England Netball Leagues and Competitions, and on International matches.
All umpires will now take part in a performance camp in early January which will provide them with an opportunity to upskill on a number of topics.
Commenting on his selection James Thomas from the South West said “I am delighted to be selected again. Being part of such a prestigious competition is a great honour and I’m looking forward to the challenge of allowing the players to showcase their talents to the fullest”.
On what will be her 11th season in the Netball Superleague, Louise Travis from the East Region said “I never take these appointments for granted and I am so pleased to be selected. This is where the hard work really starts and I am so grateful to my family for their on-going support which enables me to be an elite umpire, Mum and Wife”.
One of the newest additions to the group, Kate Mann from the East Midlands commented “It is an honour and a privilege to be selected to umpire at the highest level in the UK and wish to thank everyone that has contributed something to get me where I am today. I am really looking forward to it”.
The Vitality Netball Superleague will run concurrently with the U21 and U19 leagues which will provide a better opportunity for an interchange of umpires between these competitions. Superleague Assessors will be on hand to provide support and feedback to all umpires to ensure a consistently high standard of performance.
The new season begins with title holders Wasps Netball taking on Surrey Storm at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on the 10th February 2018.
| Alison Davies IUA | Wales |
| Chris Obin | S |
| Gary Burgess IUA | E |
| Ian Fuller IUA | WM |
| Jackie Mizon IUA | E |
| James Thomas ITID | SW |
| Jemma Carlton IUA | Australia |
| Jenny Fissenden | L&SE |
| Kate Mann | EM |
| Kate Stephenson IUA | EM |
| Louise Travis IUA | E |
| Lucy Turner | L&SE |
| Rachael Radford | Y&H |
| Stuart McErlain-Naylor | EM |
| Tracey Lamb IUA | Scotland |
| Reserve Umpires | |
| Amber Derrien | L&SE |
| Julie Wilks | S |
| Sue Brown | E |
All appointments are made pending submission of the required fitness scores (9.1 Multi-stage Fitness Test or 15.1 Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test).
*Sarah Watts was selected into the final pool of umpires but due to work commitments and a new role as Assistant Principal Moderator she has decided to focus all of her efforts on her teaching career. England Netball wishes her the best of luck and thanks her for her dedication to the VNSL.
For the latest Vitality Netball Superleague news, head over to the official website.
You can view all the 2018 fixtures and purchase tickets here.
