BENCH OFFICIALS

Supporting Fair Play and Smooth Matches

Bench Officials play an essential role in the safe, accurate and efficient running of netball games at every level. They work alongside umpires to deliver a professionally managed match environment, ensuring correct scoring, timing and record-keeping so that players, coaches and spectators can focus on the game.

Bench Officials are sometimes called Technical Officials and include scorers, timekeepers, statisticians and bench managers — together they make sure each match is conducted in line with Netball New Zealand standards.

What Bench Officials Do

Bench Officials are responsible for a range of crucial match-day duties, including:

• Scoring: Completing the official scoresheet and running scoresheet accurately.

• Timing: Keeping track of quarters, stoppages and intervals, and ensuring all timing protocols are followed.

• Statistics: Recording player statistics and team performance data.

• Bench Management: Overseeing the bench team and acting as the primary point of contact between umpires and bench officials.

These roles help maintain the integrity of competition results and support umpires in delivering fair and consistent matches.

WHY BENCH OFFICIALS MATTER

Bench Officials are a core part of the netball officiating community and greatly contribute to the overall quality of competitions. Without them:

• Match results cannot be accurately recorded.

• Player and team statistics cannot be tracked.

• Timing and game control would be compromised.

By taking on these roles, volunteers ensure games run smoothly and to the high standards set by Netball New Zealand — from local centre competitions right through to national events.

GETTING INVOLVED

You don’t need prior experience to become a Bench Official — just enthusiasm, attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Bench Officials often start at local competitions and can work towards accreditation through Netball New Zealand’s Technical Official pathways.

Accreditation opportunities may lead to officiating at higher-level competitions and national tournaments.

If you’re interested in joining our bench team or learning more about the pathway, please contact Kelly at operations@whangareinetball.co.nz.

RESOURCES

Whangārei Netball Centre supports bench officials by linking to official resources from Netball New Zealand, including manuals, application forms and assessment information.

Visit the Netball New Zealand Resource Library.

These resources cover topics such as scoresheet procedures, timing requirements and accreditation pathways designed to help you succeed as a bench official.