The campaign highlights a simple truth: behind every whistle is a person — learning, growing and loving netball just like the players and coaches.
Netball WA General Manager Community Beth Harvey said the campaign represents an important step in ensuring that umpires feel supported, valued and safe.
“Umpires are essential to our sport. Without them, there is no game,” Ms Harvey said.
“When we support our umpires, we strengthen the entire netball community. This campaign encourages everyone, players, coaches, parents and supporters, to reflect on their role in creating a respectful environment.
“What is often forgotten is that umpires at all levels, just like players and coaches, are learning, growing and loving netball and that is something this campaign wants to ensure everyone is aware of and respects.”
Netball WA will be encouraging associations across the State to host a Respect the Whistle Round as part of the campaign to reinforce the importance of positive sideline behaviour.
Ms Harvey said the campaign aligned with broader initiatives across the West Australian sporting community, including the True Sport Sideline Behaviour program developed by SportWest and Sport Integrity Australia’s Let Kids Be Kids movement.
“Kindness from the sideline makes the whole game better. Let the players play, let the umpires umpire and let respect lead the way,” Ms Harvey said.
Throughout the campaign, Netball WA will share stories, resources, and educational messaging across its digital platforms, alongside a dedicated webpage where associations and clubs can access templates, social tiles, posters and other tools to support local initiatives.
