World Netball have named four Kiwis to officiate at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Match officials (umpires) Gareth Fowler, Angela Armstrong-Lush andKen Metekingi will be joined by Jan Teesdale who will be a part of the Umpire Appointments Panel at the 28 July-8 August Games in England. Australian Josh Bowring, who has umpired in the ANZ Premiership for the past three years has also been selected.
This will be a first Games appearance for Metekingi and Fowler while Armstrong-Lush follows up on her first Commonwealth Games in 2018 and Bowring’s third having whistled in 2014 and 2018 as an Australian representative.
Netball New Zealand National Technical Official Manager, Garratt Williamson, said they were thrilled for the umpires and officials selected for July’s event.
“We’re really proud of our umpires who have been selected for Birmingham 2022,” he said. “Angela, Ken, Gareth and Josh have all performed strongly over a long period of time and their selection is testimony to their commitment and work ethic as well as support from our dedicated team of umpire coaches and selectors.”
Teesdale, who has umpired at the 1991 World Championships and was awarded the International Umpires Award in 2000, has long since been involved with mentoring New Zealand umpires in High Performance at ANZ Premiership level and international games.
“We’re equally proud of Jan who will support the umpires in Birmingham as a member of the Umpire Appointments Panel. Jan’s knowledge, experience and empathy will be of huge value to the umpires during the tournament,” Williamson said.
World Netball has named over 40 International Technical Officials (ITO) and National Technical Officials (NTO) for the event including a Chair and Members of the Jury of Appeal, the Umpire Appointments Panel and Match Officials.
World Netball President, Liz Nicholl, said they were fortunate to have “incredible voluntary officials” from around the globe who worked tirelessly for the game.
“We know these events are often the highlight of an Official’s career, and we have no doubt that Birmingham 2022 will be an unforgettable event to be part of and will live up to their expectations.”