Secrets to Success Behind Hockey New Zealand's Umpires
Welcome to issue #06 of Referees Playbook. Each week, I send one short essay that helps sports fans understand the view of a referee.
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I’m proud to be a Hockey New Zealand Umpire.
Our reputation was carved long before my time. We’ve produced countless world-class representatives.
The pressure to live up to the history is a challenge. But also, something we focus on nurturing.
A dig into the truth behind umpiring hockey in New Zealand.
Secrets to success behind Hockey New Zealand umpires.
As a Hockey New Zealand umpire, I carry a badge of pride that’s been shaped by a long line of world-class officials.
Our small nation has produced countless international representatives who’ve officiated at the very top level.
Many have helped shape the global game.
It is a privilege to stand in this line of legends, but it can be a hell of a lot to live up to!
It comes with a weighty challenge: Living up to a reputation, already carved by brilliant people.
Hockey New Zealand’s Umpiring Pathway
Now, I’m not just saying this because I’m a part of it!
But Hockey New Zealand’s age-group pathway is a breeding ground for young talent.
Thanks to a system built on exceptional coaching and a culture of giving back, our umpires consistently perform on the world stage.
Our coaches, some of the best in the world: including Colin French, Craig Gribble, Sarah Garnett, and Lynn Farrell, don’t just teach and reinforce the rules.
They push and remind us:
To be better people
To support each other
That no one is bigger than the team
The difference in New Zealand
We’re not just about the elite level.
Many of us still umpire on grassroots pitches. Sometimes matches literally played on grass. Supporting local clubs and domestic comps.
We turn up to national school and age-group tournaments. Sometimes as umpie coaches, sometimes simply as advocates and ambassadors of the game.
We commit to our communities that keep us grounded and remind us why we do this.
To support hockey at every level.
The Kiwi Approach
It’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it.
It’s the calm we bring to chaotic moments. The ability to manage a game without dominating it. The humility to put your hand up when we saw it differently.
We’re confident without being arrogant. We have peace of mind that we’ve done the work. Completed our apprenticeships as part of the kiwi system.
We earn respect through fairness, not flashiness.
The Pressure to Carry the Baton
Our approach is tested by the pressure to uphold our nation’s reputation. Every time I step on the field, I feel the weight of those who came before me.
Those like Amber Church, Simon Taylor, Kelly Hudson, David Tomlinson, and Gareth Greenfield who have set standards of excellence.
They set an incredibly challenging bar to meet!
Especially in an era where scrutiny is thick. As I’ve discussed and described before, amidst Toxic Referee Culture – where mistakes are analyzed publicly for clicks can erode confidence.
Yet, our training and support system help us rise above it.
Shaping The Future
Looking ahead, I believe we can continue to build on this legacy by inspiring the next generation.
Our umpiring pathway, supported by effective umpire coaches and development prrogrammes offer structured ways to grow skills, culture and confidence.
By sharing our experiences, mentoring young officials, and embracing our team culture, we can ensure Hockey New Zealand’s reputation lives on.
So, how do we keep this thing alive?
It’s starts with all of us – umpires, players, coaches.
We must celebrate what’s done well. Show up at grassroots level. Live and breathe ‘The Kiwi Approach’.
I’d love to hear local stories of umpires or coaches making a positive impact in your neck of the woods.
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