Kate Mann

Current Award and Date Achieved

IUA (August 2021)

Year started in the Super League

2017

Career highlights

Umpiring at the World Cup

How and when did you get involved in umpiring?

My dad was a basketball referee and used to take me along to watch. Refereeing was something that he encouraged me to do. I became a netball umpire in secondary school, achieving my novice award. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I began to umpire on a more regular basis; initially ensuring my club had sufficient umpires to play in the local league.

What has been your favourite memory on or off court?

Umpiring at the World Cup - first WC in an African Nation

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

I always try to arrive in plenty of time and get to know the surroundings. I always make sure I have enough to drink and eat and complete my warm up. I like to watch the teams warm up, starting to visualise how the match will go.

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

I have been incredibly fortunate to have a group of mentors within the East Midlands who have supported me from being a C award to an A award umpire. They continue to inspire, motivate and influence my journey as an umpire.

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

Being part of a fabulous team of umpires and assessors

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

Work on your fitness – if you can be in the right place, at the right time, you can make the right call.

Work with a mentor: listen, take note and act upon their advice.