Emily Chapman Laing
The Casey Netball Association is struggling to keep games on the roster after a post-COVID decline in umpire volunteers.
“As a player and a parent of a player, it is disappointing to hear that games may be cancelled due to lack of umpires,” Casey Netball Club member Penny Lynne said.
“We enter the competitions and pay our fees with the assumption that the games will go ahead as per fixtures.
“The stadium and games are our our social hub of sorts so the idea of not participating is upsetting.”
The Casey Netball Association started noticing the difference in participation after the pandemic.
“What we’re finding is that umpiring is another area that’s been affected by Covid,” Casey Netball Association general manager Debbie Schramm said.
“A lot of umpires sort of got part time jobs and other ways of making a bit of pocket money.”
Mrs Schramm said the huge loss of volunteers is detrimental to the community.
“We can’t have community sport without volunteers,” she said.
“We really need older age umpires or trained umpires that can handle senior games and mixed games.
“There’s lots of support, coaches and umpires for the junior programs but they aren’t experienced enough for seniors and mixed games.”
The last few weeks have seen the problem at its worst, with eight games cancelled in the span of a fortnight.
Mrs Schramm said there are many benefits to being involved in community sport.
“It’s a good way for people to become involved in a sports community, be active and be a role model for future generations,” she said.
“Here at Casey we have a beautiful new stadium with ten indoor courts so nobody is having to brave the horrible weather outside.”
The Casey Netball Association has also proactively taken to scheduling matches earlier than before.
Umpires in the league have been given a pay rise and Mrs Schramm encourages those already involved in the community sport world to consider putting time spent at the courts to good use.
“Doing a few games every Wednesday night can put a tank of petrol in your car,” she said.
Mrs Schramm said people often have concerns about becoming an umpire due to issues of respect.
“A lot of umpires don’t get a lot of thanks for umpiring and there’s a lack of respect,” she said.
“Without people reflecting on their behaviour and changing their attitudes, we’ll have to cancel more games.
“If we can’t find umpires, we can’t have games.”
The Casey Netball Association has taken to social media in their search for new umpires.
If you think you can play a role or help out, please email the Casey Netball Association at info@caseynetball.com.au.
