Jamaican umpire for Australia, New Zealand tri-series

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Jamaican umpire Sylvester Campbell has been invited by the International Federation Netball Association (IFNA) to officiate in a three-Test series between Australia and New Zealand in July this year.

Campbell told The Gleaner yesterday that it was an honour once again to be invited by the IFNA for such an intense series.

"I accepted the invitation because this is a World Championship year and I need as much practice at this high level going into the championships which will be held in New Zealand in November," said Campbell, who made his international debut at the World Youth championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2005.

Campbell added that he is looking forward to a competitive series from both teams.

"It is always a pleasure to officiate in a Test series between Australia and New Zealand because of the high intensity of the games. The spectators down there are very passionate about the games which sort of keeps you as an umpire very focused," added Campbell, who is also the coach of Jamaica National (JN)/Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Open League champions Tivoli Gardens.

Campbell added: "I expect the games down there to be very fast and physical and the real test of an international umpire is to bring control to the game while still allowing it to flow."

Campbell also officiated in the last year's Com-monwealth Games finals between Australia and New Zealand in Mel-bourne, Australia, and prior to that, he also officiated in a two-Test series between Canada and Singapore in Vancouver.

The series between the Oceania teams will be played in both countries with the first Test scheduled for Auckland, New Zealand, on July18, the second in Melbourne, Australia, six days later, and the final Test in Adelaide, Australia, on July 28.