Umpiring Spotlight - Michael Rudd
We recently sat down with Michael Rudd from Orange Netball Association to talk all things umpiring.
How did you get into umpiring?
I began umpiring after being at the courts with my mum and sister. I was told there was an opportunity to make some money whilst there, so why not. I was 14 when I started, received my C Badge in 2008, received my B badge in 2010 then worked my way through the levels of State League/Metro League/Premier League to then receive my A badge in 2018.
Regionally, who has had the biggest influence on your umpiring journey?
My journey was shaped by lots of watching my family and friends playing, learning how to do better, and jumping on every opportunity provided.
You are a member of the NSW A program and travel from Orange to Sydney every week to umpire Premier League or Metro League, what keeps you motivated to do this?
Besides the challenge, the connections you make in the umpiring community keep you going. I like being able to take what is learnt and bring it back home to teach and support others. The travelling is the toughest part.
I travel down and back on the day, typically leaving around midday, have a nap in the car when I arrive at Netball Central, umpire my game/s, then travel home- sometimes not getting home until around 2am.
To keep me going - the trip down is typically tuning into radio, but the trip home ranges, anything from radio to spotify (anything at all, no limits- could be pop, top hits, new hits, country), reflect on my game or it could just be silence. And no, if anyone is to suggest it- podcasts put me to sleep, so boring!
In 2022 you umpired at National Netball Championships (NNC) and attended 21s Aussie Camp? How did you find these experiences?
These were certainly great experiences in 2022.
NNC was a great challenge. Flying to Hobart and meeting umpires from all the States and Territories, This competition was 6 days, consisting of 2 games for 3 days 1 game for day then freshen up ready for 2 days of finals 1 game each day.
You're reminded quickly how important recovery, nutrition and hydration are. Throughout the tournament, we had to source and supply all meals for ourselves, do all our own washing (typically done by 9pm each night) and work with the other umpires to keep the umpire bus schedule (working with the umpiring team is so important).
The days were from 8am-8pm at the courts, stealing naps in the corner when possible, but in saying all this, the tournament was amazing, I learnt so much not only about my umpiring but also about myself.
Aussie 21s Camp was another great experience umpiring the Aussie 21s against the Aussie Mens 23s. This was my first time at the AIS and checking out their facilities. Staying onsite was fun, was lost when I arrived and had to make my own bed! Utilising the food hall was great, was so goof having a buffet breakfast and dinner. I certainly didn't miss the opportunity to visit the recovery centre with different heated pools, rollers, compressions boots - amazing!
You're heavily involved in umpire development, what do you enjoy about it?
Yes, I'm involved in plenty of development, and love it.
Locally - I'm the Umpire Coordinator, involving coaching and mentoring local umpires & running development courses. Seeing umpires work their way from junior through to reaching the accreditation levels and helping them realise their potential is really rewarding.
Regionally - I'm the Head Allocator of Central West Regional League, I attend carnivals to coach umpires and in 2022 I was the Northern Inland Regional League Umpire Coach.
State Titles - This year I was a Junior State Titles Allocator, Senior State Titles Allocator and Regional State Cup Umpire Coach.
Do you have work commitments?
I work full time in Orange as an Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at the Orange Ex Services Club and I'm also in charge of an onsite rooftop venue. Sometimes I have no idea how I fit work and netball in, but I absolutely love it all - as they say, if you need something done, give it to a busy person!
If you had a super power, what would it be and why?
I'm sure you could guess it - flying, to minimise the travel time between Sydney and Orange.
