SAUCNA provide multiple opportunities for accreditation and development of our umpires. 

New umpires are invited to attend our beginner clinic held just before the Winter Season each year. Details and nomination forms available on the Umpires Information Page.

Development Centres for new umpires are being set up in the Eastern, Southern and Western suburbs - stay tuned for more news on these soon.  

Rules Q&A sessions are run throughout the year.  Details of the next session will be posted here and on the SAUCNA umpires Facebook page.

Club based support is offered by the SAUCNA umpires subcommittee on application. Email for assistance at your club (saucnaumpires@gmail.com).

Online Rules Tests
An online rules tests for beginners and ongoing accreditation is currently in development and will be available soon by application.  Details of how to access these will be made available to clubs on request. The online test system has limited numbers per month and the access and password will change on a regular basis.

Rules Tests for Grading
A written rules test is conducted 3-4 times throughout the calendar year. These tests are usually held on Sunday afternoons in conjunction with the clinics and development sessions. Candidates wishing to attempt this test must register using the online form at least 2 days prior to the test being held.  Candidates unable to attend any of these dates due to work or other reasons may request a special offering of the test at a mutually agreed day and time close to the dates above.

Sample Rules Test for Grading - this is a copy of the March 2019 Rules Test.  Although the guidelines for this test give 1 hour to complete, candidates were given up to 1 hour 45 minutes as this was the first test in this format. If you would like feedback on your answers to this test please email the Rules Advisor.

Grading Process
The SAUCNA Grading process assesses umpires on their theoretical and practical abilities.

Step 1:  Complete a SAUCNA Rules Test for grading and achieve the required score (C badge - 70%; B badge - 80%; A badge - 90%)
Step 2:  Work with a mentor from your club and, when ready, apply to attempt the practical component.
Step 3:  Ask your club to ensure you are allocated to the required level of match for grading (see grading procedures document)
Step 4:  You will be screened by an experienced umpire from the Grading Panels on the appropriate level match
Step 5:  If you successfully complete your screening you will be allocated to a grading match where you will be viewed by three members of the Grading Panel.
Step 6:  Successful grading requires two out of three passes from the grading panel members (C & B badges) and five out of six passes from the panel (over 2 matches for an A badge)

Grading Procedures Document - the full process as approved by the SAUCNA umpires subcommittee and SAUCNA Board.

Grading Flowchart - a one page download for easy understanding of the process

Grading Panel Membership
Grading panels are made up of A, B and C grade umpires who have umpired at least one match in the current season or immediately previous summer/winter season.

Umpires who meet these criteria and would be interested in offering their services to be on the panel should contact saucnaumpires@gmail.com. New panel members will work as affiliate graders for 2-3 gradings before being placed on the panel as a full member.

Affiliate graders attend the grading match and work beside an experienced grader to identify the types of areas being considered by the graders. They will discuss their opinions during the match and then the affiliate will be asked for their conclusion however it will not be taken into consideration for the grading candidates’ potential success in the grading.