The long-standing umpire and umpire coach’s tenure with World Netball — having spent time on the International Testing Panel and as an integral part of the International Umpire Assessment Panel — comes to an end. Bond was acknowledged at the third test in the Taini Jamison Series between the Silver Ferns and South Africa in Invercargill on Sunday night.
After the ceremony, Bond said she felt humbled to have such a ceremony, but felt grateful to have had the career she had, helping and umpiring around the world.
"I think it was beautiful last night and I was pretty emotional.
"I’m feeling a bit numb, because no umpire gets their accolades like I did last night, and I was stunned with what was read out," she said.
During her time with World Netball, Bond has helped set global standards, supported international tournaments and guided the development of umpires at the highest levels.
Bond has helped shape the careers of countless international umpires through her umpiring expertise, deep knowledge of the rules and her ability to coach with both care and challenge have left a lasting mark on the game.
Bond has been involved with the sport for more than 50 years as a player, coach, umpire and administrator.
She is recognised for commitment to umpires and the work she has done with World Netball for more than a decade.
Bond, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for her services to netball, started umpiring in the Eastern Southland Netball club competition in 1967 and went on to officiate at national championships, domestic leagues and internationally, including the World Championship in Jamaica in 2003.
Bond said that stood out to her as a major highlight
"That was probably what I was after. I was a reserve several times in the previous years, but I think that stands out as my biggest achievement."
But it is her lasting work with aspiring umpires which sets Bond apart, as she embraced her role as an umpire’s coach. While her role with World Netball comes to an end, she will continue to mentor umpires in the game here.
Netball NZ national technical officials manager Josh Bowring said Bond had helped "shape and influence the umpiring journeys of so many globally".
"Of course, this won’t be the end of her coaching and involvement, but from an international standpoint we are truly grateful for all she has given," he said.
Bond’s tenure with World Netball will officially come to an end at the end of the year.
