We asked Fay how she got started with umpiring, these are her words:

In the 2004 season I was Team Captain of Pareora A.  One Saturday we had a crunch game and I asked the secretary of NSC “what do I have to do so we can have good umpires on our game?”  I was advised that it would be arranged, but as pay-back would I umpire on a regular basis.  I umpired all of the 2005 season and when the 2006 season started, I felt I was ready to go further.  So with a sponsor, I applied to become a regional umpire.  The first step was to pass the regional theory paper which I succeeded in doing that year.  Each year I have completed a Regional applicaton.  This entitles me to coaching and assessments known as Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).  KPI’s give feedback on what is being completed to the regional level and areas that need improving.  I have umpired at South Island Secondary Schools for the past four years and at Representative fixtures.  Each tournament, umpire coaches would provide feedback.  At Squad tournament this year, held in Christchurch over Queens Birthday, I attained my regional practical.  I was elated!

Let’s hope this will inspire many others to come forward and blow take up the challenge of being an umpire!