By Matt Fotia
Netball Australia is proud to have five officials included in World Netball’s International Technical Officials panel for the upcoming Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
Sharon Kelly OAM has been named on the Umpire Appointments Panel whilst Jemma Cook, Josh Bowring, Tara Warner, Kate Wright and Bronwen Adams are a part of a 17-person umpiring group.
Speaking about the announcement, World Netball International Officiating Manager, Christina Barrow, said: “The Netball World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the World Netball world class events calendar, and it is always a privilege to be able to announce the officials that have been selected, which is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent.”
Kelly said she was honoured to be chosen as part of the 2023 Netball World Cup Umpire Appointments Panel.
“(It is) a fantastic opportunity to extend my knowledge and skills and I am honoured to be appointed to the Umpire Appointments Panel for the World Cup.”
Josh Bowring, who has umpired more than 100 Suncorp Super Netball fixtures across his umpiring career, expressed his excitement at being included in netball’s most prestigious event.
“I am immensely excited and privileged to be entrusted as one of the umpires at netball’s pinnacle event,” he said.
“Netball athletes are some of the most talented, skilful, and athletic in any sporting code, so I’m looking forward to contributing on court in a positive way, and in a manner which aims to showcase all of their amazing abilities.”
Reigning Lorna McConchie Umpire of the Year Jemma Cook joined Bowring in voicing her gratitude.
“Umpiring at a Netball World Cup has been a personal goal of mine,” she said.
“For me, this appointment is a great recognition that hard work and resilience does pay off. I feel privileged to be entrusted with the whistle for the tournament and to share the experience alongside Tara, Josh, Bron and Sharon.”
The full list of Umpire Appointments Panellists and Umpires can be found below.
Umpire Appointments Panel (UAP)
• Heather Gleadall (Chair)
• Sharon Kelly (AUS)
• David Pala'amo
• Marielouw Van der Merwe
• Anne Abraitis
• Deborah Lynch
Umpires
• Alison Harrison
• Anso Kemp
• Angela Armstrong-Lush
• Tara Warner (AUS)
• Kate Stephenson
• Joshua Bowring (AUS)
• Gary Burgess
• Jemma Cook (AUS)
• Kristie Simpson
• Gareth Fowler
• Ken Metekingi
• Bronwen Adams (AUS)
• Kate Mann
• Elizna Van den Berg
• Louise Travis
• Terrence Peart
• Tracy-Ann Griffiths
