Umpires Course March 13/14

The level one umpires course held 13/14 March at Sport Manawatu was a big success.

There was a large turnout and presenters Lynne Nixey and Rob Denton were surprised that there were no last minute withdrawals and in fact there was even more people than they were expecting!

It was a very relaxed course with great interaction from all who attended.

Viaola Vaeau must take credit for a big muster of over 20 people including a large group of juniors who travelled from Wellington for the course. As Wellington is hosting the June Bevan U17 Tournament next year he is hitting the ground running, and there should be a healthy number of qualified Wellington umpires to ensure the smooth running of the event.

There was a group of local Manawatu people there also including two juniors and one from Feilding. There was also a participant who travelled all the way from Auckland as he couldn't attend the course up there.

A highlight for me were the many interesting stories of unusual matches and occurences that Lynne and Rob have experienced in their travels at tournaments all around the world, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

It was awesome to see and touch the Olympic and Commonwealth medals that Lynne has received as an official umpire.

It was disconcerting to learn that there is an official law that is similar to the old "carry" law which is now the "slung shuttle" law, probably one law i will try to ignore as a player he he...

Anyway we have a few weeks to study the laws before a written exam and then a practical component later in the year to become qualified as a Level One umpire.

PHOTOS FROM THE COURSE
(Double Click on the slideshow to go fullscreen)