Alison Harrison

Current Award and Date Achieved

IUA (July 2017)

Year started in the Super League

2016

Career highlights

Being selected for WYNC in Botswana, umpiring 10 games there and gaining my IUA award! wow, also reserving the final at WYNC.

Commonwealth Games 2022
World fast 5 series umpiring the final 2022
World Cup South Africa 2023
Quad series 2022/2023
Nations cup 2024/2025 umpiring the final in 2025
Constellation cup 2023

How and when did you get involved in umpiring?

I became involved in umpiring in 2013 when my netball club needed two umpires to be able to play at league. My mentor saw something in me and ensured I pursued it!

What has been your favourite memory on or off court?

I have so many, my first time stepping on the Superleague court realising a dream!

Constellation cup was a true dream come true for me and I absolutely loved umpiring the games

And recently umpiring the England v Jamaica series, umpiring in Jamaica was incredible - the game was fantastic, but the crowd WOW! You could not hear the whistle, the vibe was out of this world. It was so loud but with the most fantastic atmosphere, I’m pretty sure my ears are still ringing from it! It was the most incredible feeling to umpire that game and to be a part of the inaugural series

Do you have any pre-match rituals before a game?

I always like not arrive at venues really early like 2 hours before, I like to be able to chill and prepare and have a coffee.

I have a warm up Routine that doesn’t change and I have to complete it in the correct order

My favourite memories off the court has been the incredible lifelong friends I have made through umpiring. I really have made best friends for life.

Who has had the biggest influence on your umpiring so far?

I have had many influences, my major influence has been my dad. He always believed in me and told me to reach for the stars. All of the assessors that have mentored and assessed me have had the biggest influence because they are helping me to improve every day and I cannot thank them enough.

Plus my two incredible friends that know me inside out, Gary Burgess and Louise Travis who I couldn’t imagine being without, they are two umpires that I aspired to be like as I developed and who are now two of my closest friends in umpiring and life.

What is the best part about being a Super League umpire?

Every single game standing waiting for that first whistle is just the most incredible feeling, I never ever take for granted.

I love being able to umpire the very best Netballers in the country allowing them to showcase their amazing skill level

And working with the best umpires and assessors. We really are like one big family, pushing each other to be better and grow this fantastic game. I have made best friends for life in superleague

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an umpire?

Just do it!

You won’t know your incredible your journey can be if you don’t pick up the whistle.

You’ll make so many new friends and everyone is happy to help you.

Be strong, be brave and just enjoy every single second.

It is incredible to step out onto the court and travel around the country. Enjoy it! #Teamwhite