The Central Highlands Netball League is proud to recognise several outstanding umpiring achievements that highlight the continued development, commitment and quality of officials across the competition.

Umpires play an essential role in community netball. Along with applying the rules, they help create matches that are safe, fair and enjoyable for players, coaches and spectators. The latest achievements by CHNL umpires show that the league’s development pathway is providing opportunities for officials to improve their skills and progress to higher levels of the game.

Kara Stephens Earns National C Grade Umpiring Badge

Congratulations to Kara Stephens from the Newlyn Football Netball Club**, who has been awarded her National C Grade Umpiring Badge.

Kara has been a familiar and valued member of the netball community for many years, contributing her time, knowledge and experience both on and around the court. Receiving her National C Grade Badge is a well-deserved recognition of the work she has put into developing her umpiring.

Achieving a National C Grade Badge requires more than simply spending time on the sidelines. Umpires must complete the required education, pass the Rules of Netball examination and successfully complete a practical assessment during an affiliated netball match.

Kara’s achievement is another important step in her umpiring journey and a terrific result for both Newlyn and the wider Central Highlands Netball League community.

Jack Davidge Makes an Immediate Impact

The league also congratulates **Jack Davidge from Hepburn Burras Football Netball Club, who has made an impressive impact during his first season umpiring within the Central Highlands Netball League.

After expressing an interest in further developing his umpiring, Jack accepted the opportunity to represent CHNL as a league umpire at the Netball Victoria Association Championships.

Jack and fellow Hepburn umpire Shenae Haintz were later selected from a group of 32 umpires to officiate the 17 & Under Association Championships Grand Final in Warrnambool. Being selected for a grand final is a significant acknowledgement of an umpire’s consistency, decision-making, positioning and overall match management.

For Jack to receive this opportunity during his first year with CHNL is an excellent achievement and reflects his willingness to learn, accept feedback and take on new challenges.

Congratulations also goes to Shenae for earning selection alongside Jack and representing Hepburn and the Central Highlands region with distinction.

Building a Strong Umpiring Pathway

These achievements demonstrate the importance of supporting umpire education, mentoring and development throughout the league.

Every experienced umpire began by learning the rules, building confidence and gaining practical experience. With encouragement from clubs, mentors and fellow officials, developing umpires can continue improving and progress through Netball Australia’s accreditation pathway.

Congratulations to Kara, Jack and Shenae on their recent achievements. The Central Highlands Netball League is fortunate to have dedicated officials who continue to strengthen umpiring standards and provide a positive example for the next generation of umpires.

The league also thanks the umpire coaches, mentors, testers, clubs and volunteers who provide the guidance and opportunities that make these achievements possible.