Georgina Sulley-Beales made her debut to the Suncorp Super Netball stage also just last month, officiating what was dubbed one of the toughest matches of the season as the Giants took on the Firebirds in Round 11. Georgina proved cool, calm and collected throughout the game.
Since her debut Georgina has now umpired four games in the Super Super Netball league.
Georgina now finds herself the first South Australian umpire to be awarded the coveted ‘AA badge’ after 33 years without a new accreditation in the all-important space.
After being tested for Australian’s highest umpiring qualification, Georgina says she was thrilled to receive the news she had been successful in achieving this long-term goal.
“I am absolutely stoked to achieve my AA badge. This season I have focused on each individual game I have had and aimed to make the most of each opportunity. It has been a goal of mine for a while now, so to actually achieve it feels pretty amazing,” said Georgina.
Georgina says she’s hopeful this will help other aspiring South Australian Umpires.
“I think it is really positive for SA Umpiring, as it shows our pathways are there and working. Hopefully we can have more SA Umpires achieving it soon.”
With every game offering something new, Georgina says she loves the challenge each new game brings.
“I love the challenge of umpiring. Every game is different and there is always something you can do better. That makes you keep learning and working to improve. The players can do some amazing things, so it is pretty cool to be there for that.”
Despite her latest recognition, Georgina says she is still focused on continuing to learn.
“I have so much more to learn! There are AA/IUA Umpires that we have in Australia that have so much experience and knowledge, so I am eager to learn from them and keep improving.”
Georgina says Netball SA has helped her develop as an umpire through her involvement in the pathways programs.
“Netball SA has provided me with many opportunities to progress as an umpire, since I started in our pathway programs. I have been lucky to have lots of coaching and support from different people both here in Adelaide and interstate.”
Netball SA Board President, Graeme Gilbert, was the last South Australian to receive the All Australian Award, obtained in 1986.
Roz Fraser, Netball SA Workforce Manager, says she was thrilled when Georgina told her the good news.
“Georgina rang me herself to let me know the news after the game and I was very excited for her and proud of what she managed to achieve,” said Roz.
“She has worked hard and deserved the reward for all the years working her way through the pathway.”
