Netball New Zealand has recognised the contribution umpiring stalwart Colleen Bond has made to the sport at an international level as she steps down from her roles with World Netball.
The long-standing umpire and umpire coach’s tenure with World Netball – having spent time on the International Testing Panel and as an integral part of the International Umpire Assessment Panel – comes to an end and Bond was acknowledged at the third Test in the Taini Jamison Series between the Silver Ferns and South Africa in Invercargill on Sunday night.
During her time with World Netball, Bond has helped set global standards, supported international tournaments and guided the development of umpires at the highest levels.
Bond has been instrumental in shaping the careers of countless international umpires through her umpiring expertise, deep knowledge of the rules and her ability to coach with both care and challenge have left a lasting mark on the game.
Well known in Southland, Bond has been involved with the sport for more than 50 years as a player, coach, umpire and administrator.
She is recognised for commitment to umpires and the work she has done with World Netball for more than a decade.
Bond, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for her services to netball, started umpiring in the Eastern Southland Netball club competition in 1967 and went on to officiate at national championships, domestic leagues and internationally including the World Championship in Jamaica in 2003.
But it is her lasting work with aspiring umpires which sets Bond apart as she embraced her role as an umpire’s coach and while her role with World Netball comes to an end, she will continue to mentor umpires in the game here.
Netball NZ National Technical Officials Manager Josh Bowring said Bond had helped “shape and influence the umpiring journeys of so many globally”.
“Of course, this won’t be the end of her coaching and involvement, but from an international standpoint we are truly grateful for all she has given,” he said.
Bond tenure with World Netball will officially come to an end at the end of the year.
