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The Sunshine Coast Netball Association (SCNA) has advised that its innovative ‘Respect For Umpires’ (R4U) program has won two prestigious awards at the 2024 Netball Queensland Awards.

The program was recognised for Community Innovation of the Year and Respect in Netball, acknowledging SCNA's leadership in fostering a safer, more respectful environment for umpires across the Sunshine Coast region and beyond.

The R4U initiative was born from a serious on-court incident in 2023, where a young umpire faced verbal abuse. Determined to prevent such incidents from continuing, SCNA formed a dedicated steering committee with a vision to educate the netball community and reinforce the message that ‘abuse is not ok’ towards anyone.

Debbie Battaglini, SCNA Operations Manager and key driver of the R4U initiative, explained “our association wanted to ensure that every umpire feels respected and safe on the court.

“We host 10,000 games of netball a year, with over 80,000 spectators attending, and each one of those games relies on our umpires. We are thrilled that our efforts to protect and support them have been recognised by Netball Queensland.

“Since launching this program, we’ve seen an increase in the number of umpire applications here at SCNA by 40% and a 100% return during the 2024 season, which is a massive leap from previous years and shows us how important support, respect and protection is to our umpire community.”

The R4U program is a comprehensive approach, combining awareness, education, and on-the-ground support. Umpires at SCNA games now have access to white flags, which they can raise if they feel disrespected, signalling welfare officers in white hi-vis vests to intervene.

This real-time solution is bolstered by educational resources - having large signs with key messages and the support of a positive and respectful environment, and a compelling video that highlights the emotional impact of disrespectful behaviour on young umpires.

The SCNA's R4U initiative is not only having a positive impact locally but may also be considered a model for other netball clubs and sports codes across Queensland following the recognition of the program at the Netball Queensland Awards.

Gabby Parker, SCNA Umpire Convenor, added “we hope that the success of R4U here at SCNA can inspire other sporting organisations to take similar steps.

“Umpires deserve respect, and we’ve created a clear, enforceable way to remind everyone of that. We also believe everyone associated with the sport deserves respect and so we hope to see an adaptation of this program to ensure respect for all.” 

SCNA
The Sunshine Coast Netball Association is the largest sporting organisation on the Sunshine Coast, hosting 10,000 games annually and providing a safe and supportive environment for netball players and umpires of all ages. With over 250 umpires aged 10 and up, SCNA is committed to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and enjoyment for all.

Image: The Sunshine Coast Netball Association accepts two awards at the 2024 Netball Queensland awards.

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