WPA Umpires' Workshop

Notes from the Workshop held at the Kapiti Pétanque Club on Sunday, 10 August 2008.

Present

Claire Bradburn (Silverstream), Gwen Hill (Kapiti), Jan McHardy (Kapiti), Tony Mudgway (Wanganui East), Michael Rocks (Khandallah), Bryan Wells (Horowhenua), Barbara Whittington (Park Avenue) - morning session only.

Apologies

Mryna Lane (Masterton), Graeme Morris (Masterton), Ralph Priddle (Masterton), Glen Selbie (Wanganui East).

In the morning session, National Umpire Barbara Whittington led a question and answer session on the Rules and interpretations. Several questions and situations necessitate further research so Barbara will send out a response. Barbara advised that she is in discussion with a potential National Director of Umpiring.

In the afternoon, the discussion was on what we would like to see happen in the Wellington region.

• The list of Wellington graded umpires was updated. It appears that at least three people on the previous list had only expressed interest in becoming an umpire, they did not actually sit the exam.
• Recommend to the next WPA meeting that an Umpiring Committee be created under the auspices of the WPA. Gwen Hill was elected to be the Chair of this committee by those present.
• Gwen to contact the other 12 umpires on the Regional list and find out their Umpiring plans for the coming season and approach two of the active umpires to join the Committee.
• Expectation that the Regional Championships (Singles, Doubles, Triples, Senior and Women's Singles) will have a non-playing Umpire. Over time to extend to all WPA run events.
• The Umpires' Committee to explore the option of running courses/exams for Club and Regional umpires. Also to look at annual refresher courses.
• Gwen is to contact PNZ regarding an Umpire's uniform (shirt and jacket). Will look at applying to a Trust for funding depending on the response from PNZ.
• To look at reimbursement of expenses for umpiring at Regional events.
• To look at the PNZ Umpire's Duties to see if it is relevant to Club and Regional events.