We interviewed Josh Burt - Current Tournament Director of the Hockey Pro League.

He said something that stuck with me:

“I want umpires to start thinking differently: To focus on what is done well instead of dwelling on the negative.”

An open letter from an average sports official:

I’ve umpired field hockey for 25 years, from grassroots to international level. I’ve also been a sports fan in New Zealand since the mid-90s.

Here’s what I’ve observed:

• Players cross the white line and say things they wouldn’t usually say

• Coaches scream and belittle from the first whistle

• Parents mock and ridicule from the sideline