Christchurch Netball Whistlers is a pathway to personal and professional development through umpiring skills for people of all ages. We would like to acknowledge the support of the Canterbury Masonic Charitable Trust in 2025, for their incredible generosity and support of the CNC Whistlers pathway. The CNC Whistlers programme encourages and supports rangatahi, parents, caregivers and coaches to develop greater confidence, game management skills and resilience. This programme is open to Year 8 and above and there is no experience required.


NEW in 2025 | Ruby and Diamond Levels

An adult Whistler programme has been added this year. Adults start on the Ruby or Diamond level.​​​​​​​

The Ruby and Diamond levels have been added to bridge the gap between Year 8 and U18 games.


CNC Whistlers Membership (annual) 

  • 1st and 2nd Year Whistlers - $50
  • Platinum Whistlers - $50​​​​​​​
  • Ruby and Diamond Whistlers - $50

Programme Information

The CNC Whistlers programme runs on Saturdays (Diamond & Ruby Whistlers), Mondays or Saturdays (Platinum Whistlers), Wednesdays or Saturdays (2nd Year Whistlers) and Fridays or Saturdays (First Year Whistlers).

Diamond Whistlers umpire at Nga Puna Wai (indoors) and Ruby Whistlers umpire at Hagley Park (outdoors).

Platinum and 2nd Year can choose either Nga Puna Wai (indoors) or Hagley Park (outdoors).

First Year have the option of Nga Puna Wai (indoors), Rawhiti (under cover) or Hagley Park (outdoors).


CNC Whistlers will be provided with:

  • A CNC Whistler Rule Book to use and keep.
  • Education on rules and on-court coaching, and will work towards achieving their Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Awards.
  • A yellow jacket or vest (to be returned at the end of the season) and a T-shirt (to keep)
  • A plastic finger-grip whistle 
  • Hair ties/wrist band (to indicate centre pass direction)


Responsibilities of CNC Whistlers:

  • All first-year whistlers need to provide a support person that is not a coach.
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn.
  • Each CNC Whistler needs to bring their provided whistle and hair tie/wrist band each week.
  • CNC Whistlers need to be punctual and be committed to the programme. Each session must be attented and in the event of injury or illness advise absense ASAP.​​​​​​​
  • If two sessions are missed without explanation the whistler may be removed from the programme.

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Recruiting new CNC Whistler coaches | No experience needed

The CNC Whistlers programme is in need of new coaches to guide young CNC Whistlers.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This is a special way that you can help rangatahi learn to umpire the sport which we all love. With your help, young CNC Whistlers are able to advance their umpiring skills and make a difference in our netball community.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

For more information on our Whistlers programme, please email whistlers@cnc.org.nz