i am getting into something new

So, a few months ago I decided I wanted to get back to umpiring netball. I played netball from the age of 8 until about 20 in Church Competition. I moved to Goulburn when I was 21 (2002), and did an outdoor season there, plus a couple of indoor seasons. It was 5 a side and super fast!

When I was playing Church Comp I also did some umpiring.

When I came back to Sydney I did a couple of rounds of indoor netball 6 a side, but shift work got in the way.

Fast forward to 2025. I started on weight loss medication and had a brilliant idea that I wanted to umpire netball again. I looked up my local netball association, and put some feelers out. I got in touch with a local club who were happy to take me on, starting to umpire junior netball. I needed to do a course through Netball Australia, and pass the exam with 80%. It took me 3 tries, but I passed with 90%.

I have put on a lot of weight over the last few years, which really knocked my confidence. I have lost almost 13kgs in 3 months, and feel so much better. I am going out more and feel a lot more confident.

I decided on a local team, the Menai Flames. I have registered as an umpire. I am (hopefully) catching with the umpire convener in early 2026 to discuss logistics! I want to start with the younger grades so I can build my confidence.

I am going to get some PT before I start, and umpiring will also be some extra exercise to help with weight loss! I am in the process of getting set up with a PT at the local YMCA.