PEEBLES Netball has proven its credentials over the years as a centre of excellence for performance.

However, with its expansion over recent seasons to include adult as well as junior teams, the quality of umpiring and number of its experienced umpires have had to keep pace.

Over the past year several members have taken their first steps on the umpiring ladder and qualified at the first rung, Level C.

A few will move on to take their Level B qualifications this year.

In May, two members of the club attended Netball Scotland umpire mentor training, and had the opportunity to discuss, with counterparts in the west of Scotland, the well-established Glasgow Netball Association umpire mentor programme.

Following a summer of planning, Peebles Netball has now launched its own “On Your Whistle” umpiring scheme.

The brain-child of local school teacher Faye Nicholson, the aim of the scheme is to provide support to umpires who are committed to their own development.

The three most experienced umpires in Peebles Netball, Faye, coach Linda Nicholson and Peebles High School student Dawn Maclean will provide the mentoring service in the first year of operation.

Umpires were invited to apply for places on the scheme with six admitted onto the initiative for this season.

Linda Nicholson welcomed the new scheme. She said: “I am delighted that Faye has taken on this area for development for the club.

"Over the weekend we launched the scheme and had our first mentoring session.

"Faye also ran a course for those at the other end of the scale, just starting off on their umpiring path and considering whether this is for them.

"Would-be umpires from Tweeddale, Midlothian and Earlston attended the course showing the high level of interest there is in developing these skills in this region.

"Our aim at Peebles Netball is to be as renowned for our umpiring as we are for our skills on the netball court.”

Enquiries regarding future umpiring opportunities should be directed to lindanicholson120@gmail.com.