The Bathurst Netball Association have been holding a three week course for those looking to learn the ropes, run by BNA umpires conveynor and national B badge Tracey Hicks alongside national A badge Rachel Hughes.

Unfortunately the BNA have been unable to run their regular coaching program in 2020 due to COVID-19 but Hicks said it was still important to give those interested in umpiring an introduction.

"We can't run the learner's program this year because of the shortened season. Usually we run that over 10 weeks, but myself and Rachel volunteered ourselves for a couple of weekends to allow those people who have never umpired to have some experience," she said.

"Because of our short season they're going to have to start on the ground running. And we're very short on umpires this year with CSU being out this year."

The 2020 season will still be going ahead with a single round competition but the lack of any CSU teams across the senior grades this season is a big blow to the competition and the umpiring ranks.

It's hoped the clinics will be the first steps towards assessing that void.

The last of the three day program will take place this Saturday.

Hicks said the group have been doing a great job learning the fundamentals of umpiring and assessing situations.

"We've been getting players match prepared, letting them know what the responsibilities of an umpire are, and going through a few rules to help them before they get started," she said.

"This Saturday we're going to get a couple of rep teams together to play because they haven't had a chance to get a whistle in their mouth and get that experience.

"Umpires these days are getting harder and harder to find so our association are looking to put forward a couple of names to fill out our pool. We got a few new recruits, but most of the learners this year are adults because it takes a little longer to get the younger ones going.

"Rachel helped me run the first two weeks and she brings valuable experience."