NetballExplained

Umpire Positioning in Netball

How netball umpires position themselves on court: the two-umpire system, court halves, and staying in position to see key calls.

Written by Claire McDonald · Last updated

Where an umpire stands matters as much as what they know — good positioning is what actually lets an umpire see the calls they need to make.

The two-umpire system

Netball matches are controlled by two umpires. The court is split in half across the middle, and each umpire controls the same half — including its goal line — for the whole match. Each umpire also makes all throw-in decisions along one entire side line (Rules 4.5, 4.8, 4.11). Umpires move along their side line and behind their goal line, and ideally keep off the court during play (Rule 4.9). A reserve umpire may sit at the umpires' bench, ready to step in.

How the court is divided between the two umpires A netball court from above, divided across the middle. Umpire A controls the right-hand half, including the right goal line, and moves along the bottom side line and behind the right goal line. Umpire B controls the left-hand half, including the left goal line, and moves along the top side line and behind the left goal line. Each umpire also makes all throw-in decisions on their own side line, along its full length. B A B's half A's half
Who controls what. Each umpire controls one half of the court, including that end's goal line (shaded: umpire A), and moves along one side line and behind their goal line (dashed). Each umpire also makes all throw-in decisions on their own side line, for its full length. The umpire who wins the umpires' toss takes the side line nearer the official bench and the goal end to the right when facing the court.

Staying on the right side of play

Good umpires generally position themselves to the side of play rather than directly behind or in front of it, giving a clearer view of both the ball and the players around it — including the footwork and distance detail that matters for calls like footwork and obstruction.

Anticipating, not chasing

Rather than reacting to where the ball currently is, experienced umpires anticipate where play is heading and move to be in position before it arrives — arriving late to a phase of play makes close calls, like an offside infringement at a third line, much harder to judge accurately.

Positioning for specific calls

Some calls benefit from a specific viewing angle — judging the 0.9m distance for obstruction is easier from a side-on position than head-on, and footwork calls are easier from an angle that shows the landing foot clearly against the floor, not obscured by other players.

Communicating with your co-umpire

Clear, brief communication with the other umpire — confirming who has a call near the shared boundary of your two areas — avoids both umpires calling, or neither calling, the same infringement.

Where to go next

See whistle technique for how positioning connects to actually making the call once you're in the right place, and beginner umpiring for where to start if you're new to umpiring altogether.