Brehaut leads by example

A YOUNG netballer hopes her example will encourage others to start umpiring. Donna Brehaut is the Guernsey Netball Association's youngest qualified umpire. She passed her Grade-C test when she was 13 years old.

The qualification means she is an experienced umpire and can take charge of Commodore league games.

'No-one really wants to do it, I hope my example means other people will become interested and take it up,' said Donna, who is now 14 and plays for Nerine F.

'I started umpiring three or four years ago in the summer league, which is basically fun and friendly.'

She gained experience by umpiring the under-11 and under-12 Inter-insulars in March last year, as well as Saturday league games.

The qualification involves passing a written and practical test.

'They ask you basic questions about the rules, but some are a bit twisted to make you think.'

During the practical test she was asked to umpire a game and was marked on her performance.

'The qualities of an umpire are being confident, strong, fair and consistent. Sometimes the players question my decisions but if they do I'll inform them of the rule and what they're doing wrong.'

She started playing netball when she was nine and has represented the island at under-12 and under-14 levels. Playing still takes priority but she thinks umpiring has helped her with her game by giving her a thorough knowledge of the rules.

'People don't really want to umpire because they think they'll be intimidated, but there's nothing really to be afraid of.'

Donna, who goes to the Guernsey Grammar School, wants to take next the next step in umpiring qualifications, the Grade-B, when she is older.

The GNA president, Jacqui Le Noury, feels that other players should look to her example.

'Basically it's a shame there aren't more older players who are as keen to give up their time to umpire games and help out training.

'The hardest thing is getting the experience and confidence to take the exam. A lot of people never get the experience - they never push themselves and are too nervous to do the important games.'

Players normally umpire a couple of games a season, but most do not want to go out on a cold night and umpire.

'In our meetings there's been plenty of praise of her umpiring. The fact that she does so much means that people know her face and know she's experienced and they respect that.'