Jamaican umpire Sylvester Campbell has been appointed to the International Federation Netball Association's (IFNA) International Testing Panel (ITP) for the Americas region.

As an ITP official or cadet, Campbell will work closely with other ITP members in the region, who are responsible for maintaining and enhancing the standard of umpiring internationally, according to any criteria and guidelines set by IFNA.

Campbell, who is also a member of the International Umpires Association (IUA), has been an international umpire for four years and said he was elated with his selection.

feeling pretty good

"I am feeling pretty good about my appointment, because whenever you are doing something you should always strive for the top and that is where I am heading," said Campbell, who is also the coach of Berger Paints Super League campaigners Tivoli Gardens.

Campbell, whose appointment will last for three years, said he was shocked by his selection.

"I was a bit surprised because there were a lot of other umpires ahead of me. However, I have done a lot of work in the last four years and I think that justifies my appointment," said Campbell.

Campbell's duties will also include training and developing newly appointed members of ITP and cadets for possible future ITP appointment. He will also review and assess IUA umpires appointed to international fixtures, in addition to sitting on the Umpires Appointment Panel (UAP) at IFNA events, coaching and development of international umpires' programmes for each region.

Campbell, who is regarded as one of the best umpires in the world, first created history at the 2006 Commonwealth Games by being the first male to officiate in the final which featured hosts Australia and New Zealand.

Campbell, along with countryman Dalton Hinds, also created history a year later by becoming the first male pair to officiate in a World Netball Championship final. They were the officials in the 2007 final which was also between hosts New Zealand and Australia.