Have you ever considered picking up a whistle and becoming an umpire?

As an umpire you have the best seat in the house at every game! It’s a great way for players and coaches to increase their rule knowledge; plus for those that have hung up their bib, why not pick-up a whistle – it’s a great way to stay involved! The good news is, to get started all you need to bring is a bit of enthusiasm and a passion for the game - we’ll take care of rest and give you the tools and support you need to become an umpire.

If you are interested in becoming an umpire, contact your Zone Umpire Lead:

SIT AN EXAM

Learning to Umpire Module

NNZ has a Learning to Umpire Module for New Umpires and Player Umpires which replaces the Netball New Zealand Centre Theory test. This module is the first step towards the Centre Umpire Award or a pre-requisite for some Centres for Player Umpires.

The Module helps New and Player Umpires understand some of the rules of netball as well as some practical techniques to enhance their umpiring.

To access the Learning to Umpire Module, click on the button on the right to access the Online Learning.

Instruction on how to access and navigate the Learning to Umpire Module can be found here.

There are two exams for Umpires who have completed their Centre Umpire Award.

1. NNZ Zone Theory
2. New Zealand Theory Exam 

Zone and New Zealand Theory Exams 

All exams are conducted on the NNZ Learning and development site – Sport Tutor. Each exam runs on a Monday evening from 6pm – 8:30pm and you should allow 90mins’ to complete the exam. 

The Zone Theory exam the first step for umpires who hold a Centre Umpire Award and are looking to attain their Zone Umpire Award. This exam is made up of multi-choice/drag-and-drop questions. 

There are 80 questions in this exam and you must gain 68 marks (85%) in order to pass. 

The NZ Theory is the first step for umpires who hold a Zone Umpire Award and are looking to attain their New Zealand Umpire Award. The exam is a mix of multi-choice/drag-and-drop and questions where candidates are required to type a written answer. 

There are 80 questions in this exam and you must gain 68 marks (85%) in order to pass. 

Applications  

Registrations are completed on the NNZ Learning and Development site, which can be accessed through the NNZ website. Registrations must be completed by the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. An online payment portal will be made available to candidates after registrations close. Candidates have two weeks in which to pay for their exam. If payment is not made by the date the payment portal closes, candidates will not be able to sit the exam. This date will be communicated to eligible candidates by NNZ. 

Preparation  

Past exams 

NNZ provide sample questions and copies of past exams which can be found here. Practice exams will be made available to Zone and NZ Theory candidates once registrations for those exams have closed.  

NNZ Theory Examination tutor guide 

The guide is available on Sport Tutor by enrolling in this course: here

Included in this course is the guide, a webinar explaining the guide and how to use it, past exam papers, and a workbook of questions.   

Reader/Writer  

NNZ acknowledges that candidates will require a reader/writer from time to time. Candidates wishing to have a reader/writer must contact the umpire lead from their Zone, via their tutor.  

2026 NNZ Zone Theory and New Zealand Theory exam dates

Dates for the 2026 NNZ Zone Theory and New Zealand Theory exams have been set as shown below.

Community Umpiring Strategy 2026–2029

Netball New Zealand has launched the Community Umpiring Strategy 2026–2029, providing a clear and practical direction for supporting umpires across community netball in Aotearoa.

Umpires are essential to the game and help create positive experiences for players, whānau and communities. This strategy focuses on strengthening support, creating clearer pathways and helping ensure community netball remains sustainable, enjoyable and well supported into the future.

Want a quick overview or the full detail?

• Read the one page summary for a quick snapshot of the key focus areas
• Explore the full strategy for the complete direction and supporting detail