Last weekend, as the Suncorp Super Netball semi finals delivered edge-of-your-seat action, three Netball NSW umpires were right in the heart of it all, bringing calm, clarity, and control. Tamara Buriani-Gennai took charge of the Thunderbirds vs Vixens clash, while Tara Warner and Jemma Cook officiated the Fever vs Swifts match—each showcasing the skill, composure and professionalism that sets them apart as leaders in their field.
With a whistle in hand and nerves of steel, Cook stepped onto court not just as one of the country’s top officials, but as a role model for aspiring umpires across New South Wales and beyond.
Jemma’s journey began like many others—on court as a young player. “Like a lot of umpires, I was a player before I was an umpire,” she said. “At Manly Warringah Association, when you turned 12 you were required to pick up the whistle to help umpire younger age groups.” That first exposure—combined with a nudge from club umpire convenor Laraine Hunter—unlocked a whole new passion.
Under the mentorship of Maureen Boyle OAM, a pioneer and backbone of netball umpiring who has been recognised with Legend Status within the Netball NSW Hall of Fame, Jemma quickly rose through the umpiring ranks.
From representing Manly Warringah at NSW State Age and State Championships to officiating at State League in the Anne Clark Centre, it didn’t take long for her talent to be recognised. At just 16, she was selected to umpire at the Australian National Schoolgirls tournament and the 21/U Nationals in Brisbane.
In 2010, Jemma achieved the highest domestic honour for an umpire, earning her All Australia Badge at the Australian Netball League Grand Final. A year later, she joined the elite ranks of umpires in the ANZ Championship—a milestone that cemented her place in Australia’s top tier.
Throughout her umpiring career, Netball NSW has played a pivotal role in her development. The organisation’s commitment to supporting the umpire pathway through education and mentorship has been instrumental in helping officials like Jemma thrive. “There’s learning to be had in every game and experience, regardless of level,” she says.
Netball NSW’s education programs—run through one-day development camps—go far beyond rulebooks. Umpires are equipped with high-performance knowledge in areas like strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports psychology. Meanwhile, the mentorship program provides one-on-one feedback, fitness planning and goal setting, ensuring umpires receive personalised support every step of the way.
Now a mother of three, including newly arrived twins, and a senior HR leader, Jemma’s plate is full. But her love for netball keeps her grounded—and driven. “The juggle is real,” she laughs. “But like the old adage says, ‘it takes a village.’ I’ve had incredible support from my husband Phil, my mum, and my workplace to make it all work.”
Despite the challenges, she says umpiring has made her better at her day job—and vice versa. “There are quite a few parallels between umpiring and HR,” she explains. “Both require strong decision-making, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.”
Some of Jemma’s most treasured netball memories have come from her time officiating at the highest level. One in particular stands out. “In the early days of the ANZ Championship, we did an umpire exchange with New Zealand. I was paired with Sharon Kelly OAM to umpire Magic vs. Mystics in Hamilton. It was a thriller—Maria Folau, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, the works.”
The final moments were nail-biting, with the Mystics clinching the win by one goal. “After the game, Laura Langman came into our change room to thank us and said it was one of the best games she’d played in. That really stayed with me.”
But not every experience was positive—and some were pivotal in building her resilience. She recalls umpiring an Over 40s match at just 14 years old, where a spectator’s abuse left her in tears at half-time. “I didn’t want to go back out. But the players and Maureen encouraged me to finish the game, and I’m glad I did. It was a turning point for me.”
The experience taught her two things: to develop thicker skin, and to remember that for every negative voice, there are often many more positive ones. “What is achievable,” she says, “is providing safe parameters for the players, applying the rules with integrity and showcasing the skillsets of the athletes.”
For aspiring umpires, her advice is clear: “Soak up every opportunity. Focus on being the best umpire you can be, not on the next badge or allocation. Channel your energy into why you love being behind the whistle.”
“Figure out who you are as an umpire. We all have our own style, strengths and areas to improve. I could never be Sharon Kelly—Sharon is Sharon, and I am Jem, forging my own path.”
Netball NSW
