Netball Jamaica (NJ) President Karen Baugh says the appointments of Chris Campbell and Tracy-ann Griffiths to officiate at the 2026 Commonwealth Games are a major boost for the development of the sport locally and regionally.

Campbell will serve on the Umpire Appointments Panel while Griffiths has been named a match official for the games in Glasgow, Scotland. Both Campbell and Griffiths were selected by World Netball (WN), the worldwide governing body for netball.

The pair are the only officials from the region selected among 20 International Technical Officials and 22 National Technical Officials appointed by WN.

Campbell and Griffiths have both previously officiated at the highest levels of international netball and bring years of experience and professionalism to their roles. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to Aug 2, 2026, in Glasgow.

Baugh praised the appointments, calling them a proud moment for the country and the wider region.

“We extend our congratulations to both Chris Campbell and Tracy-ann Griffiths,” Baugh said.

“They are representing not just Jamaica but the region. They have officiated at major tournaments before and this is a continuation of their excellent work. And so we are proud of them and we congratulate them on their appointments,” Baugh told the Jamaica Observer.

Baugh also used the moment to highlight the need to develop more officials locally.

“This means we are still producing officials at the highest level. It’s recognition that we need to continue that work and accelerate our programme to qualify more officials, not just for international tournaments but also for local competitions.

“I am glad that the work that they have been doing is being highlighted that more people will see it as something to aspire to and we can continue our work with them. Tracy-ann is a definite fixture on the netball scene, especially where senior matches are played,” Baugh explained.

Baugh stressed that more work is needed to expand the country’s pool of umpires, noting that seeing local officials succeed on the world stage can inspire the next generation.

“We have a pool of umpires of the game that needs to be widened. It is really great when you see umpires going out on the international scene and people can see the opportunities and so we can have more people being interested in being a part of the pool of umpires. The game can’t be played without officials, in particular umpires, and so it is always a good look for Jamaica and the sport of netball,” she stated.