Congratulations to Anso Kemp who will now hold her IUA status until August 2026.

She has been endorsed at the Commonwealth Games that took place in England.

With her is Tara Warner, Bronwen Adams, Alison Harrison and Louise Travis.

Requirements for Tests 

International Testing Panel (ITP) 

WN appoints a panel of qualified and experienced persons to undertake testing for the award.  Although ITP members are spread over different regions, they are authorised to test worldwide.   

 Who conducts the test? 

Two ITP members shall conduct a test and must undertake no other duties during the test.   The testers are required to watch the entire match, unless the standard of the match is deemed inadequate or the umpire is unable to complete the match because of illness/injury, in which case the test should be aborted and a new test may be scheduled. 

 Test game 

A test will consist of one match (minimum of 60 minutes play).  The match must be a fast, competitive game of a standard that will test the umpire’s skill level and indicate his/her ability to control international matches.  As a guideline, the match standard is defined as being between two teams ranked in the top ten in the world, provided it meets the above requirements.    It is the responsibility of the testers to determine if the match provides a suitable standard of play or not. 

Scheduling of Tests 

• Although it is desirable that umpires are tested in their own country, this is not a requirement. 
• Where umpires are officiating regularly in events of a suitable standard it is likely tests will be arranged on these events. [This would include matches in the ANZ Championships as well as selected matches in the English Superleague (ESL) and other leagues of a similar standard.] 

• For other umpires, WN will locate suitable international games (usually as part of a test series or tournament).  
• A test may be scheduled at any time up to eighteen months before or after the expiry date of the previous test pass. 

 Assessment Standards 

Criteria for Assessment 

Assessment is based on graded performance standards in eight competency areas Grades range from 1 (high level of performance) to 4 (low level of performance).  Competencies are: 

(1) Position & Timing (2) Vision (3) Game Management & Protocols (4) Contact (5) Obstruction (6) Advantage (7) Minor Infringements (8) Communication & Penalties. 

Agreement of Testers 

When determining grades, the two testers must come to mutually agreed conclusions.  

Pass Standard 

To gain an IUA pass, an umpire’s grade total must not exceed 18.  If an umpire fails a test, at least 6 months must elapse before a further test may be taken. 

Recommendation for Additional Test 

If an umpire fails a test but gains a grade total of 19 or 20, a further test will be recommended. The recommendation is based on the expectation that the umpire could improve his/her performance to a pass level. Each test stands alone, thus feedback is given after the first test and a report provided.