The Aspiring Female Umpire Programme kicked off in Lincoln last weekend, offering ten aspiring Umpires from across New Zealand the opportunity to enjoy a weekend full of development.

Into its third season, the Aspiring Female Umpire Programme has added an exciting element to the programme - namely, a two-day residential.

Programme Mentors, who offered support and valuable experience to the Aspiring Umpires, Kim Cotton, Christelle High, Tina Semmens and Sue Morris attended the residential, all having umpired or played at Domestic & International levels.

Other highlights included sessions with Guest Speakers:

• Jasmine Naeem – ECB Umpire Panel Member and ICC Umpire Master Educator
• Jimmy Sinclair – Canterbury Rugby Farah Palmer Women’s Coach
• Taneika Uerata – New Zealand & Canterbury Rugby Referee

Included in the residential were practical elements of umpiring to allow some valuable insights into on-field techniques, team building exercises, reflections and connection time.

Mentor Tina Semmens commented on what she saw as a valuable weekend of learning and connection.

“It was nothing short of an inspirational residential,” said Semmens.

“Such extraordinary breadth and depth of development, as umpires and as people. Thanks to the organisers for the synergy you have created in our group”.

Aspiring Umpires can look forward to various opportunities through Reserve Umpire appointments in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the Ford Trophy, and Super Smash “look and learn” televised matches.

Aspiring Female Umpire Intake (2023-24):

1. Amruta Shirodkar (Wellington)
2. Khymne Methven (Canterbury)
3. Marise-Ann Fernandes (Auckland)
4. Katie Hogue (Otago)
5. Vibhuti Patel (Canterbury)
6. Leteisha Rose (Northern Districts)
7. Ingrid Sage (Wellington)
8. Moth Sutherland-Tupp (Auckland)
9. Alyson Shipley (Canterbury)
10. Gabrielle Sebaratnam (Otago)