By Rahim Abdul
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has appointed internationally respected umpiring expert Maria Louw Van Der Merwe to conduct an advanced training programme for local netball umpires.
The three-day course is expected to equip 30 Malawian umpires with modern officiating skills aimed at improving the standard of netball in the country.
Van Der Merwe is one of the world’s leading authorities in netball officiating and has played a key role in shaping international umpiring standards.
She serves on the Netball Rules Advisory Panel, helping to guide and interpret the laws of the game at the global level.
The expert is also a member of the World Netball Umpire Appointment Panel, which is responsible for selecting umpires for major international competitions.
In addition, she works as an International Talent Assessor and Mentor, identifying and developing promising umpires across different countries.
NAM says bringing Van Der Merwe to Malawi reflects its commitment to strengthening the quality of officiating and ensuring local umpires meet international expectations.
The association believes the training will improve consistency in decision making, confidence on the court and knowledge of the latest rules among participants.
The programme is expected to create a stronger pool of qualified officials capable of handling high level domestic competitions and increasing Malawi’s representation at international tournaments.
The initiative comes as Malawi continues investing in the development of netball, with improved officiating seen as a key pillar in maintaining the country’s competitiveness on the regional and global stage.
