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Welcome to the Officiate Community pages led by Ex England Roses Captain Serena Kersten. Connect, learn and have fun with other netball players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.

For Officials:

Officiate is here for the real MVPs of sport — the umpires and referees who keep the game flowing, fair, and (mostly!) drama-free. While players and coaches often steal the spotlight, we know that without officials, there is no game. That’s why we’re all about championing this incredible community and giving it the recognition it deserves.

Let’s be honest — officiating isn’t for the faint-hearted. It takes commitment, passion, sharp judgment, and yes… a pretty thick skin! But it’s also one of the most rewarding roles in sport, and we’re here to celebrate every whistle, call, and game-changing decision.

Enter Serena’s Arena, our community series where officials take centre stage. From grassroots heroes to international pros, we’ll be sharing their stories, insights, tips, tricks — and maybe even a little behind-the-scenes gossip.

Think of it as your front-row seat to the world of officiating: informative, inspiring, and most importantly, a lot of fun.

Umpire of the month:

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Photo credit: Ben Lumley

Watch the interview with Louise here:

Louise Travis

Louise has been an international level umpire since 2009 and is a regular on our TV screens.

Watch the brilliant interview with Louise below, including avoiding homework, false starts with false eyelashes (not her own) and many other cheeky anecdotes from international and super league netball. 

Welcome to the Officiate Community pages led by Ex England Roses Captain Serena Kersten. Connect, learn and have fun with other netball players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.

Netball insights with Serena Kersten:

How to cope with being benched during a game?

It happens to everyone at some point - how do you cope with being benched before or during a game? Ex England Roses captain Serena Kersten gives us some practical advice about how to reframe it from a negative experience to something positive!

What netball rule would you like to change?

We all have that one annoying rule that catches us out? Or just seems a bit pointless... what would Ex England Roses captain Serena Kersten change?

What makes a great umpire?

What are the key attributes that change an umpire from good to great?

What's the hardest netball position to play?

Surely it's Center... or maybe Goal Defence... what do you think? Does Ex England Roses Captain Serena has a surprising answer to this...

Serena's top tips...
 

...when you're benched

  1. Take every opportunity you're given and do it to the best of your ability

  2. Learn from people around you

  3. Remember - you're in a privileged position - some people haven't even made it to the bench

  4. Support your team mates

  5. Your 15 minutes could be the most important of the game

  6. Make the most of every moment

News and events:
 

LIVE EVENT SERIES with Serena Kersten and special guests...sign up here for updates

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Richmond Summer Social with Officiate - London's leading fitness and lifestyle festival

30th May 2026

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