Back in the national picture after freak injury

Myron Elkington believes he’s back to full fitness after almost 18 months on the sideline.

The New Zealand Netball national squad umpire says it's been a long road of recovery to get back in the picture after a freak injury while standing in for the Nelson Men's team saw him taken out of action.

Having ruptured the tendons in his ankle falling over himself, he says it’s taken a long time to get back into the top flight of netball umpiring.

“For the past five years, I haven't played.

“I was heading in the right direction, having been in the national squad for six years and was right in the thick of the ANZ Premiership.

“It’s been a busy couple of months after a quiet year and a half after my ankle.”

But Myron feels like he’s back in the picture again after being selected to umpire the final of the New Zealand Open Champs based on his prior performances at the competition.

Similar to the teams, umpires at the competition are all vying for their spot in the finals based on rankings of their performance from a panel of coaches and selectors.

“I was keen to get some game time under my belt and it was a good chance for the selectors to see me umpire,” he says.

“Having not been in the ANZ premier environment, I was keen for some opportunities and some challenges.

“I definitely think it’s a step in the right direction.”

Myron’s love for the sport was nurtured when he started playing while at Nelson Intermediate School.

At that time, he was the only boy at school who played the game and male netballers in the region were virtually non-existent.

“Initially, it was very much men’s netball and women’s netball were very separate.

“But in recent times, the visibility of the sport has become more widely accepted.

“I don’t know what it was (about the game) but a lot of my friends played and it's a pretty cool game.”

While his competitive playing days are behind him, it was a choice to step away to focus on umpiring and see how far he could take it.

Myron says the tournament was a key step in his return to the top level of umpiring and his selection for the final was a positive sign for his chances of making it into the national squad again.

While he won't find out if he's made it until the squad is announced towards the end of the year, he says it was good to be in front of the eyes of selectors again.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener after so much time on the sidelines,” he says.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work and fitness and if I do get back to the level, I want to put my best foot forward.

“I’m quietly confident, but it’s a matter of wait and see.

“I’ve done what I can and being appointed to the final at the national championships is a good sign.”