Steph Coble-Runge is a member of Lismore & District Netball Association with over 10 years of umpiring experience.
Netball NSW would like to congratulate Steph following her selection from the HART Regional League to represent Far North Coast at the 2021 Regional State Cup.
We chatted with Steph to discuss her journey…
Why do you love umpiring?
Umpiring keeps me engaged in Netball, which I love, and the game is played better with good umpiring so every game is a challenge to be the best umpire you can be.
I also mentor young, new umpires and I love working with them and helping them progress and enjoy their umpiring as much as I do.
Who has inspired you in your umpiring career and why?
Mum. When I first started umpiring, she told me to be strong and confident in my decisions and it was great advice for a beginner, especially when I was umpiring adults.
Bronwen Adams inspires me too. I used to umpire at Manly Warringah Netball Association and saw her umpire there and to see her excelling at the highest levels in umpiring is very inspiring. Love watching her umpire on TV.
What is the best tip you have received about umpiring?
There’s been too many great tips along the way to choose just one…but I do have Chris Hall’s voice in my head every now and again telling me to ‘hold’ and ‘go now’ to maintain correct positioning.
What is the best tip you have for up-and-coming umpires?
Keep a record of your feedback and reflect on it before future games
What is your favourite warm up song?
Meditjin by Baker Boy
What is a challenge/setback you have had to overcome in your umpiring journey?
Limited ability to receive feedback on my umpiring when I’ve lived in rural & regional areas… any time I get a chance to receive feedback, I jump at it because that’s how we learn, develop and improve our skills.
