Hampden will be without panel netball umpires in season 2017

Davis said clubs understood the decision but that she expected teething problems under a new system.

Each open grade netball side will supply an official each week under the revamped structure.

“Unfortunately we just had injuries and unavailabilities – we were down to one umpire,” she said.

“We had five (last season) with the other people helping out occasionally.”

Davis said the new format would have its positives, such as allowing club umpires to test themselves in the top grade more frequently.

“It is a great way for us to start developing a whole new breed of umpires throughout our ranks,” she said.

“People who were on the panel are willing to put back and help with mentoring.

“I know Portland have lots of umpires and are keen to get them on and develop them.

“There’s always going to be a little bit of teething problems but that’s where (fellow board member) Trish Butters and myself step in and Shirley McSwain has put her hand up too.”

Davis said the panel system worked well during its existence but that numbers had dwindled in recent times.

“It went for eight or nine years,” she said.

“We originally started with two on each game but people wanted to stay at their clubs and that is very evident.”

Clubs were informed of the decision this week in the lead up to round one.

“It was pleasing the way it went over,” Davis said.

“They understood – it wasn’t as if the league just pulled out.”

The standalone match between Port Fairy and Koroit last Saturday had the use of a former panel umpire.

“They were lucky because Peta Van Bruggen was happy to come across because South didn’t have a game,” Davis said.

“And on night games and Sunday games we might be able to help out too.”

Davis and Butters will travel to Portland on Saturday for the unveiling of the Tigers’ new netball facilities at Hanlon Park. The works included home and opposition change rooms with toilets and showers, an umpire change room, office space, a first aid area, and a storeroom.