Netball umpire calls time
Liz Boon has called time on a distinguished career umpiring netball all over the world.
The Lower Hutt woman spent 12 years at ANZ level and internationally refereed in South Africa, Jamaica, England and Australia.
Surprisingly, in a sport where the Australians’ highly physical style is often viewed with suspicion, Boon nominates umpiring Australians as her career highlight.
‘‘I could not nominate a favourite player but I could say, that anytime I have umpired in Australia or umpired the Australian team I have really enjoyed that ... I find they are a bit more open. They respect that you have come a long way and given up a lot to umpire, and you always feel appreciated.’’
The 46-year-old decided to step down after a casual remark from her nine year-old daughter Sophee, about how often she had been away.
Umpiring at the top level required a huge commitment. As well as a strenuous fitness regime, there was a lot of travel. In 2016 she umpired the series between Australia and England.
Boon could not commit to umpiring the ANZ in 2016 and this year decided not to become involved in the new New Zealand-based competition.
Her only regret was that she did not get to umpire at a world championship or Commonwealth Games.
At international level, netball could be brutal and refereeing often came under scrutiny from fans and players. Fans often did not understand the technical aspects of the rules.
At the top level the players were very skilful and did things that appeared impossible, she said. The per- son best placed to see what players are up to is the umpire and Boon believed more often than not, umpires got it right.
‘‘We are only human. You go out to be 99.9 right but some time there might be the odd time when you get it wrong.’’
Boon chooses her words carefully when asked to comment on individual players, batting off any suggestion that former Australian captain Laura Geitz was ‘‘dirty’’.
‘‘A dynamic player, who is all arms and legs.’’
Silver Fern and Pulse captain Katrina Grant was another player she has a lot of respect for.
She is looking forward to spending more time with her two children.