Umpiring – Level 1

Overview
Level One Umpires are accredited to officiate at club, centre, and regional events. Level One Umpires can also officiate at national events at the discretion of the Chief Technical Official (CTO).

There are three types of Level One Umpires:

• Registered Level One Umpire: Accredited to fulfil the full duties of an umpire as set out in the Laws of the Sport. This requires the candidate to pass the measuring and laws exams.
• Registered Measurer Umpire: Accredited to determine all physical measurements as required by the Laws of the Sport. This requires the candidate to pass the measuring exam.
• Registered Laws Umpire: Accredited to adjudicate on matters relating to the Laws of the Sport. This requires the candidate to pass the laws exam.

Prerequisites
Anyone can become an umpire. You just need to be a member of a bowling club in New Zealand.

Training
You will work with local tutors in your area to learn the laws and measuring techniques. This may include a combination of in-person training and online sessions, depending on the preferences of the local umpires group.

The laws module covers:

• Laws of the Sport of Bowls Crystal Mark Fourth Edition
• New Zealand Domestic Regulations
• Scenarios to test your knowledge

The measuring module covers:

• The practical use of measuring equipment
• On-green scenarios to test your knowledge

Alongside this formal training, the Umpires Hub contains a range of resources for all officials in New Zealand.

Accreditation
Candidates will sit an exam once they feel confident and ready.

The laws exam comprises 25 laws questions. This will be in an oral, closed book format. The measuring exam comprises 15 on-green scenarios covering all measuring equipment. Both exams have a 90% pass-rate.

Re-Accreditation
Umpires who wish to remain accredited will undertake a re-accreditation process every four years with their local umpires group.

Have you got what it takes?
To find out more about becoming a Level One Umpire, speak with your local umpires groups or enquire with us today!