ON the Netball Centre Court this week is Dave Brown. Brown is an international netball umpire with over 15 years experience. He was interviewed at the National Stadium just before he was about to officiate a practice match between the Sunshine Girls and the men’s netball team.

Netball Centre Court : Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to us.

Dave Brown : You are welcome and the pleasure is mine.

NCC: Where were you born?

DB: I was born in St Thomas.

NCC: How did you get involved with netball?

DB: I got involved with the sport from I was attending the Morant Bay High School. I then went to Stony Hill Heart Academy which I got more involved. I then started to coach the game and I even played the game as well and as a result I got more interested in the game. So I worked hard and I was seen by some members of the Jamaica Netball Association and due to my talent they decided to work with me.

NCC: What inspired you to become a netball umpire?

DB: Well, after I was identified by the Jamaica Netball Association and I saw where I could go far I just continued and got certified.

NCC: When did you first umpire an official netball game?

DB: I first officiated netball matches locally in the early 2000 and internationally in 2010 where I officiated in Fast Net when I went to England. Before that I umpired championships in St Vincent and Barbados.

NCC: How many international games have you umpired?

DB: I don’t really know but it is close to 50 games.

NCC: How does it feel to be a male international umpire?

DB: As always you will find the exception. To be in a female sport I think that it all depends on you and what you want. I am very happy and I am pleased to be a male umpire, as I have no regrets. I believe that there should be no limitation of gender, and with the INF, they don’t have a problem as long as you are qualified, you are okay.

NCC: What is your level of qualification in umpiring?

DB: International qualification.

NCC: Do you hold any other profession?

DB: Yes. I am a certified teacher at the Cumberland High School in Portmore; I am a football referee, photographer, there are so many it is hard to recall all of them.

NCC: What is most satisfying about netball?

DB: Opportunity. You get to go to countries that you never go before like Australia and New Zealand. The opportunity to travel overseas is just great.

NCC: What advice would you give to other males who want to become netball umpires?

DB: You have to know what you want and just work hard towards achieving your goals. Keep focused and strong and you can do all things possible with the help of God.