Maseru – The Lesotho Netball Association (LNA) will hold two-day workshops in all its regions in an effort to capacitate new umpires and coaches.
The workshops are scheduled for next month and the association’s public relations officer, ‘Matšepo Mohau, said attending umpires are expected to improve their knowledge of the game’s rules and regulations.
The workshops will also include primary and high school teachers as they are hands-on with Lesotho netball’s prospective talent and need to be skilled and well-equipped.
Attendees will be graded after completion of the workshop.
“We are expecting the umpires to learn more about the game, the rules and the regulations especially after the International Netball Federation passed new regulations last year. We want them to have clear knowledge,” Mohau said.
She added: “Our international umpire Chakatsa Lephole now has the right to grade the umpires because of his level and he will do that according to international standards.”
Mohau said organisers are expecting at least 15 umpires and 15 coaches per region. A refresher course for current umpires and coaches is set to follow later.
Meanwhile, the national netball league will commence on April 1 and 2.
Mohau said the LNA is expecting to see more schools competing in the league this year.
“We are hoping to see more schools participating in the league,” she said.
“We want to see commitment from the players as well as the managers so that everything can go accordingly. As the association we are always looking to unearth raw talent.”
Registration for teams to join the league is open until February 10 while registrations for the LNA’s workshops close on February 24.
Dates for LNA workshops:
4-5 March: South Region
11-12 March: North Region
18-19 March: Central Region
Luciah Phahla