Theresa Prince has retired from her role as an International Umpire Awardee (IUA), bringing an important chapter of her international netball umpiring career to a close. Announced by World Netball on 20 October 2026, her retirement recognises years of service at some of the sport’s biggest competitions, including two Netball World Cups, two Netball World Youth Cups and two Commonwealth Games.

First awarded IUA status in 2010, Prince became one of South Africa’s most experienced international netball umpires. She also made history in 2022 by becoming the first South African umpire to officiate 100 international matches.

Her contribution extends beyond the matches she officiated. Her career reflects the dedication, preparation and knowledge required to reach the highest levels of international umpiring, while leaving an example for the next generation of officials.

World Netball Announces Theresa Prince’s International Umpire Awardee Retirement

World Netball announced that Theresa Prince had retired from her International Umpire Awardee role, acknowledging her contribution to international netball over many years.

The organisation recognised her service and wished her well following her retirement. Her appointment as an IUA in 2010 marked an important milestone in her career, recognising her ability to officiate at the highest level of the sport.

Prince’s retirement statement reflected her belief that an official’s influence continues beyond their time on court:

“The whistle may fall silent, but the legacy we leave and the knowledge we share will live on through the next.”

Her words capture an important part of umpiring: experience and knowledge can continue to benefit the sport through mentoring, education and the development of future officials.

The announcement concerns her International Umpire Awardee role. It should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that she is leaving every aspect of netball or umpiring.

Readers can follow the latest netball news, announcements and updates for more developments from the international game.

Theresa Prince’s Journey as a Netball Umpire

Prince’s journey into umpiring began at grassroots level in South Africa.

According to her profile published by Netball South Africa, her local club needed umpires, creating an opportunity for her to take an umpiring course. Young players were encouraged to participate, and what began as a practical way to support her club developed into a distinguished international career.

Her progression demonstrates how local clubs and community competitions can help develop officials who eventually reach the international stage.

Becoming an international umpire requires more than understanding the rules. Officials must develop several important skills, including:

• Technical knowledge: Applying the rules consistently and accurately throughout a match.

• Decision-making: Making clear and confident calls under pressure.

• Communication: Working effectively with players, coaches and fellow officials.

• Positioning and awareness: Maintaining the best possible view of play as the match develops.

• Composure: Remaining focused and consistent in high-pressure moments.

These demands become even greater at major international competitions, where decisions can influence the momentum and outcome of closely contested matches.

Theresa Prince’s International Umpiring Career and Major Competitions

Theresa Prince’s international umpiring career included appointments at several major netball tournaments and international test series.

Her experience across different competitions demonstrated her ability to officiate at the highest levels of the game.

Some of her notable appointments included:

Her Netball World Cup appointments took her to Singapore in 2011 and Sydney in 2015. She also officiated at the Netball World Youth Cup in the Cook Islands in 2009 and Glasgow in 2013.

At the Commonwealth Games, she was part of the officiating teams in Glasgow in 2014 and on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Her international experience also included the Constellation Cup, featuring Australia and New Zealand, as well as multiple international test series.

These appointments required officials to adapt to different teams, playing styles and competition environments. They also reflected the level of trust placed in experienced umpires to help maintain the integrity and consistency of international matches.

Explore international netball events and competitions to follow the tournaments that bring the global netball community together.

Theresa Prince’s Netball Achievements Beyond the Whistle

One of the most significant milestones in Prince’s career came in August 2022, when she became the first South African netball umpire to officiate 100 international matches.

The milestone was reached on 22 August during the Africa Netball World Cup Qualifiers in Pretoria.

Reaching 100 international matches represents years of commitment, preparation and consistent performance. It also highlights the important role experienced officials play in supporting international netball.

Her achievement was particularly meaningful for South African netball, demonstrating that local officials can progress to the highest levels of international competition.

Prince’s career also included experience across different levels of the sport, from international tournaments to domestic competitions. Her involvement in events such as the Telkom Netball League, school tournaments and club matches reflected the breadth of her contribution to the game.

Her achievements are not limited to a list of appointments. They also represent the work required to build trust, maintain high officiating standards and contribute to the development of netball.

Readers can explore World Netball rankings and international match statistics to learn more about the competitive landscape of the sport.

Theresa Prince and Netball South Africa: Her Contribution to the Sport

Prince’s career holds particular significance for Netball South Africa and the wider South African sporting community.

Becoming an International Umpire Awardee and reaching the 100-international-match milestone established her as an important figure in the country’s umpiring history.

Her journey also demonstrates the value of developing officials at grassroots level. Local clubs, schools and domestic competitions provide opportunities for people to learn the rules, gain practical experience and build the confidence needed to progress.

A strong umpiring pathway benefits the entire sport. It helps ensure competitions are played fairly, supports the development of players and coaches, and creates opportunities for officials to gain experience at increasingly challenging levels.

Prince’s progression from a local club umpiring course to major international competitions provides an example of what sustained commitment can achieve.

Her career also highlights why investment in umpire education and development should remain an important part of South African netball.

The Legacy Theresa Prince Leaves for Future Umpires

Although Prince has retired from her International Umpire Awardee role, the knowledge and experience gained throughout her career can continue to influence the sport.

Her retirement statement places particular emphasis on sharing knowledge with the next generation. This is an important part of building a sustainable umpiring community.

Experienced officials can help emerging umpires by:

• Sharing practical lessons from domestic and international matches.

• Explaining how to manage pressure and make consistent decisions.

• Supporting umpire education and development programmes.

• Encouraging young people to pursue officiating opportunities.

• Demonstrating professionalism, preparation and respect for the game.

The development of future international umpires depends on more than individual talent. It also requires access to learning opportunities, experienced mentors and pathways that allow officials to progress.

Prince’s career provides a valuable example for aspiring umpires in South Africa and beyond. Her journey shows how an opportunity at grassroots level can lead to a lasting contribution to international sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Theresa Prince?

Theresa Prince is a South African netball umpire who became an International Umpire Awardee in 2010. She officiated at major competitions, including two Netball World Cups, two Netball World Youth Cups and two Commonwealth Games.

When did Theresa Prince retire from her International Umpire Awardee role?

World Netball announced her retirement on 20 October 2026.

What are Theresa Prince’s biggest netball achievements?

Among her career highlights are her international tournament appointments and becoming the first South African netball umpire to officiate 100 international matches in August 2022.

Which Netball World Cups did Theresa Prince officiate at?

Prince officiated at the Netball World Cups in Singapore in 2011 and Sydney in 2015.

Does Theresa Prince’s retirement mean she has left all netball activities?

World Netball announced her retirement from her International Umpire Awardee role. The announcement does not confirm that she has retired from every form of netball involvement.

Celebrating Theresa Prince’s International Umpiring Legacy

Theresa Prince’s retirement from her International Umpire Awardee role marks the end of a significant chapter in international netball umpiring.

From her early opportunities at club level to officiating at World Cups and Commonwealth Games, her career reflects years of dedication to the sport. Becoming the first South African umpire to reach 100 international matches further cemented her place in the country’s netball history.

Her legacy will be measured not only by the competitions she officiated but also by the knowledge and experience she can share with future officials.

As she reflected in her retirement statement, the whistle may fall silent, but the influence of a dedicated umpire can continue through the people and pathways they help shape.