Holistic approach nets Bowring umpire of year

TASMANIAN Josh Bowring has added another accolade to his list of umpiring achievements after winning the Netball Australia Lorna McConchie Umpire of the Year award.

It is a testament to Bowring’s approach and attitude towards umpiring, and recognises his outstanding on-court performances, including umpiring the 2017 Suncorp Super Netball grand final.

Bowring said he was surprised to receive the award, and attributed it to his holistic approach to his umpiring. While setting up his individual development plan to help him improve, Bowring set himself clear goals around the technical, physical and psychological aspects.

“With the technical aspects, I was working on my timing of vision, so when and where I am, and what time I’m looking at areas of the court,” he said.

Bowring, 27, has spent a considerable amount of time working on fitness, particularly core strength and leg strength.

Bowring also used Tasmanian umpiring stalwart Marj Kerslake as a mentor to help deal with the mental aspects of performance. He has developed a great rapport with the players and his clear and concise instruction and unflappable, effortless style should hold him in good stead for many years to come.

Bowring will spend the next few months preparing for upcoming international appointments – he will be umpiring the Quad Series between Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa starting in late August and will then fly to New Zealand to umpire when the Silver Ferns take on England in September.