How and when did you get involved in netball and umpiring?
I first started umpiring when my Mum was coaching my netball team and also my sister’s team. Her team trained before mine and given I was always there, I would make use of the time by umpiring their training games. Margaret Torrens, was our Club’s Umpires Convenor and she encouraged me in my umpiring and subsequently put me forward for club and association opportunities.
I really enjoyed the challenge of umpiring and as soon as I was able to, I was umpiring on a Saturday and worked my way through the various Sutherland Shire development programs. In 2006 I was awarded my National C Badge. From there I umpired at State Championships and then progressed to NSW State League and Waratah Cup, as it was at the time.
In 2012 I was awarded my National A badge and I was offered the opportunity through the Netball Australia pathway to umpire at; National Schoolgirls, 17/U & 19/U Nationals, 21/U Nationals, Australian Netball League and I was a member of the Netball Australia Emerging Talent Umpiring Program.
What is your favourite netball memory/highlight?
Some of my greatest memories are my two international tournaments at the 2014 Asian Netball Championships in Singapore and the 2015 Asian Youth Championships in Hong Kong. I’ve regularly been umpiring on NSW Premier League since its inception in 2016.
What is the best part of umpiring?
Without a doubt the people I’ve met along my journey. I have made lifelong friends and being able to share our passion on the court and then continue those friendships off court has been amazing. My local club, the Miranda Magpies is incredibly supportive of the rigours of the umpiring journey and it has also been great to give back to the youngsters at our club who are picking up a whistle for the first time.
Why do you keep coming back season after season?
I think I’ve kept umpiring because I just simply love it. I love umpiring itself, I love the challenges it brings and I love the people I get to spend time with while doing it. Some of whom are now my closest friends, who when I step down and retire from the court, will continue to be part of my life.
Netball NSW would like to congratulate Hayley and thank her for her ongoing contribution to our Origin Energy Premier League competition.
