Estelle Round is one of Tasmania's talented umpires currently working her way through the ranks to make it to the top of the pathway. Estelle was awarded the 2024 Emerging Umpire of the Year Award at Netball Tasmania's Annual awards Dinner for showing the greatest performance development and potential for future growth over the course of the season. Estelle has an eye for detail and constantly strives for excellence. She is a role model for her peers and we look forward to seeing her develop as an umpire in years to come. With many accolades already to her name, she is heading off to the National Netball Championships in April to add yet another.
We recently chatted to Estelle to learn a bit more about her umpiring journey.
What made you want to go through the journey to become an umpire?
I started my journey in netball as a player and always loved being part of the game. When I wasn't playing, I still wanted to stay involved in the netball environment, and umpiring became the perfect way to do that. It has not only kept me connected to the sport but also helped me become a better player by improving my understanding of the rules, positioning, and decision-making under pressure. Umpiring challenges me in a different way and has given me a new perspective on the game that I might not have fully appreciated as a player.
Why do you love being an umpire?
I love being an umpire because it has given me incredible opportunities, from different umpire exchanges to officiating at higher levels like Nationals. These experiences have not only helped me grow in netball but have also developed my leadership and sense of responsibility. Umpiring has taught me valuable life skills like communication, decision-making under pressure, and staying confident in high-intensity situations. It’s a challenging but rewarding role that continues to push me to improve.
What is your favourite part?
My favourite part of umpiring is the connections I’ve made with other umpires and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Being part of a supportive umpiring community has been so rewarding and a part of that is the opportunity to coach and help other umpires in their journey too. Watching others grow and develop their skills while continuing to improve myself makes umpiring even more meaningful.
What something players/spectators might not know?
Something players and spectators might not realise is that umpires make around 22,800 decisions each, in a netball game. Every call, positioning adjustment, and moment of game management requires constant focus and quick thinking. It’s a fast-paced role that demands a deep understanding of the game, strong decision-making under pressure, and the ability to stay composed in high-intensity situations.
What is the hardest part?
The hardest part of umpiring is how physically demanding it is. There’s constant sprinting to stay in the right position and keep up with fast-paced games. It requires a lot of stamina and endurance, and being physically sharp for the entire match can be challenging. However, the physical challenge is also rewarding, as it pushes me to stay fit and perform at my best throughout the game.
