Southeast & Interior Technical Development Programs – Registration Deadline Extended

Field Hockey BC would like to announce that registration for the Interior and Southeast Technical Development Programs (U14, U16 and U18 boys & girls) has been extended to Monday, April 4th.

Please note registration is limited to maintain an athlete coach ratio of 8:1. All registration will be on a first come-first served basis.

INTERIOR

U16 Interior Girls (Born: 2005, 2006 and 2007)

  • 6 sessions, Sundays, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, April 11th – May 16t @ Mission Recreation Park

U18 Interior Girls (Born: 2003 and 2004)

  • 6 sessions, Sundays, 2:30 – 3:00 pm, April 11th – May 16th @ Mission Recreation Park

SOUTHEAST

U14 Southeast Boys & Girls (Born: 2007 and 2008)

  • 6 sessions, Saturdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, starting April 10th @ Tamanawis

U16 Southeast Boys & Girls (Born: 2005 and 2006)

  • 6 sessions, Saturdays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, starting April 10th @ Tamanawis

U18 Southeast Girls (Born: 2003 and 2004)

  • 6 sessions, Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, starting April 11th @ Tamanawis

U18 Southeast Boys (Born: 2003 and 2004)

  • 6 sessions, Sundays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, starting April 11th @ Tamanawis

SOUTHEAST PROGRAM ELIGIBLITY
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this program is open only to athletes associated with clubs located in the SE region (Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Surrey, etc.).

 

For more information and to register, access the following links:
Male Technical Programs – http://ow.ly/gl6v50E5IGQ
Female Technical Programs – http://ow.ly/c14Z50E5IHJ


 

Why We Umpire: The Hearts Behind The Yellow Shirts

Article and photos by Field Hockey Canada Staff
Originally posted here

As interest and participation numbers in field hockey grow, more playing and development opportunities are being introduced to players across the country. While playing elite hockey is a goal for many, umpiring is another avenue that is sometimes left untouched. Though it may appear daunting to some, the role has changed not only the lives of those who umpire, but also the pace and shape of the sport itself.

Field hockey in her veins, umpiring as Sacré’s domain

Lelia Sacré was only three weeks old in a photograph where she is pictured being held in the background of an international field hockey match — one her dad was playing in. Born into a hockey family, it’s not a cliché to say that the sport was in her blood from birth: Sacre’s mother played at San Diego State before coaching while her father starred on both the Canadian junior and senior national teams. While the urge to quit came up on several occasions, it was through her parents’ encouragement that she stayed. Eventually, Sacre saw an improvement in her skills, enough to justify her place in the game.

During her adolescent years, Sacre played for a variety of clubs and provincial teams before representing Canada at the 2005 Junior World Cup. Around the same time, she started umpiring on the side for a bit of pocket money and didn’t think much of it until Alan Waterman and Madge Johnson approached her during a national championship.

“They both said, ‘Hey, have you thought about taking [umpiring] seriously?’ and I laughed nervously and said no,” Sacre described. “They told me it was there if I wanted it because they saw something [in me].”

Like many players, Sacre had the persistent goal of making the national team — which she achieved — but it wasn’t until university when she realized her body wasn’t going to be able to hold it. Her dream of playing internationally was over, but the desire to represent Canada was still there.

“That’s when I started to take everything more seriously,” she said. “I got appointed to the junior touring squad in 2012 and…that really exposed me to different colleagues and different styles of hockey. That’s when I knew it was my new pathway.”

Passion for sports turns into global hockey family for Robertson

Megan Robertson was similarly influenced by her parents at a young age, particularly by her mother who has been involved in nearly every aspect of the sport as a player, coach, official and administrator. It was her who first encouraged Robertson to become a certified umpire. Since then, Robertson has gone on to officiate at several international tournaments, namely the last two Pan American Games in 2015 and 2019, and the 2018 Hockey Series Open.

“Each tournament is an important opportunity to represent yourself and your country,” Robertson said. “Being in downtown Toronto [during the 2015 Pan Am Games] was fantastic. I’ve had the good fortune to umpire at the University of Toronto venue a number of times…and it was a privilege to have a ‘home’ Games and share the experience with my parents, my hockey community, and so many Canadians.”

She recalls Lima 2019 as an important competition for her after facing several setbacks that made her question her future, including a knee injury and major illness. Having overcome that turbulent time, Robertson shows a deep appreciation for her experiences around the world and the hockey family she’s grown along the way.

“I have been so fortunate to experience the different cultures of hockey,” she said. “The excitement of little girls in Argentina screaming for Aymar, the emotion of the Korean women winning the Asian Games in Incheon and securing their trip to the Olympics, and the dedication of athletes, parents, and volunteers shoveling the snow from Hawkings Field in Calgary so that we could start our games. All of us are part of the hockey family.”

Umpiring field evolving; more dynamism and athleticism brought to pitch

Umpiring has changed tremendously over the last decade with technology playing a new role in determining correct calls and leaving little room for errors. Athletes are noticeably faster and more dynamic — forcing umpires to approach the game differently in terms of positioning and anticipation.

Sacre recalls experiencing her first video referral at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and describes it as a ‘terrifying’ moment, attributed to her hopes of getting the call right.

“It’s a whirlwind of emotions,” Sacre said. “[Umpires] are there to facilitate the game, not be the showcase. Sometimes umpires forget that they’re there to bring the best out of players, and spectators forget that we’re all human and we make mistakes too. We’re all doing our best because we enjoy it.”

Sacre and Robertson both agree that video reviews and radios have made the game better in many ways. “We want to make the correct decisions for players and for the game and it shows how we can work as a team of officials to get things right,” added Robertson.

Umpires without a doubt play a highly important role in hockey, and with each passing opportunity, the goal is to hone in on existing skills and build upon others. With the pandemic keeping everybody off the field temporarily, there comes many chances for those wanting to pursue an officiating pathway through online methods.

An alternative to playing, umpiring serves as a rewarding way to stay within the sport as games become more competitive and passionate from start to finish.

“We really want to give back and have young umpires coming through saying, ‘This is the pathway and it will be challenging, but it is so worth it’,” Sacre explained. “You appreciate every opportunity that you get that much more because you know how much you’ve had to work for.”

As for advice for up-and-coming umpires and officials, Robertson wants to push individuals to dream big, yet remain truthful in the process.

“Always be yourself. Hockey is an amazing part of life. Finding how it fits with the different goals that you have and how it can push you to be your best will be different for everyone. Listen, learn, and try to help others be their best too.”

Ultimately, by doing what they do, the goal is to inspire more people to pick up the whistle and put on a headset. Behind every yellow shirt on the pitch is the heart and soul of somebody who genuinely loves the sport, and an entire community that backs them.


 

Southeast Technical Development Programs – Registration Open


FHBC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for our Southeast Technical Development Programs that will run from April 10 to May 15. Registration deadline is April 1st.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Southeast program is open only to athletes that belong to a Club in the SE region (Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Surrey, etc.).

Spring Programs

Age Group

Gender

Training

Day/Time

  Dates

Field

  Cost

U14
(Born: 2007 + 2008)

Girls & Boys (Mixed)

Level 1 + 2:
Receiving & Passing

Saturdays, 6:00-7:30pm

 April 10 – May 15

Tamanawis

  $105

U16
(Born: 2005 + 2006)

Girls & Boys (Mixed)

Level 1 + 2:
Receiving & Passing

Saturdays, 7:30-9:00pm

 April 10 – May 15

Tamanawis

  $105

U18
(Born: 2003 + 2004)

Girls

Level 2:
Receiving & Passing

Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm

  April 11 – May 16

Tamanawis

  $105

U18
(Born: 2003 + 2004)

Boys

Level 2:
Receiving & Passing

Sundays, 7:30-9:00pm

  April 11 – May 16

Tamanawis

  $105

Program Features

  • 6 week program of 90-minute weekly training sessions led by professional coaches.
  • A focus on individual skill development and ability.
  • Athletes should register according to age and will be grouped on-field according to ability.
  • Coach to player ratio of 1:8.
  • These programs are to work on skill development, and are not considered high performance. They are not part of the Provincial Program pathway.
  • Note: these programs are not suited for Goalkeepers. Goalkeeper-specific training will be announced at a later date.
  • All training will follow the PHO Orders and viaSport’s Return to Sport Phase 2 guidance to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Full physical distancing (3 metres) will be maintained throughout the program. Due to PHO travel restrictions, these programs can only accommodate athletes that are members of Southeast Clubs.

Program Levels

Level 1 is designed to teach athletes how to acquire technical skills. The main focus will be on learning proper grip, ball position, preparation, and execution. This program is best suited for athletes that are relatively new to hockey (0-2 years playing experience), who are looking for additional training to help them become more confident players.

Level 2 is for participants who have acquired the basic skills and knowledge of Level 1 and are ready to develop the skills required to perform these core techniques in a more consistent manner.

Registration Information

Register here: https://www.fieldhockeybc.ca/fhbc/regionals.php/

The deadline to register is Monday, April 4th. Please note registration is limited to maintain an athlete coach ratio of 8:1. All registration will be on a first come-first served basis.

For more information about the Technical Development Program, please visit our Female Technical Development page, or our Male Technical Development page.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Jameson, sportdevelopment@fieldhockeybc.com

Spring Interior Technical Development Program – Registration Open


FHBC will be running another 6-week Technical Development program from April 11th – May 16th. Registration deadline is April 1st.

This program is open to athletes of all abilities and is intended to help athletes develop their technical skills. Both age groups will be coached by Ben Fecht & Dani Hennig. This program will primarily focus on acquiring skills for Dribbling, Eliminating & Scoring. Goalkeepers are welcome and will receive direct GK coaching from Carys Swan.

Program details are as follows:

Interior

Day/Time

Date Range

Cost

Location

U16 Age Group
(Born: 2005, 2006 & 2007)

Sundays,
1:00 – 2:30pm

April 11th to
May 16th

$105

Capital News Centre (April 11th)
Mission Rec Park (April 18th – May 16th)

U18 Age Group
(Born: 2003 & 2004)

Sundays,
2:30 – 4:00pm

April 11th to
May 16th

$105

Capital News Centre (April 11th)
Mission Rec Park (April 18th – May 16th)

The first session on April 11th will be on the indoor turf at the CNC. All other training sessions will be on the outdoor turf field at the Mission Recreation Park.

Register now: https://www.fieldhockeybc.ca/fhbc/regionals.php/

The deadline to register is Thursday April 1st. Please note: registration is limited to maintain an athlete coach ratio of 8:1, and will be on a first come-first served basis.

This program will adhere to the current COVID-19 protocols as approved by the Provincial Health Officer, viaSport and Field Hockey BC. More information about our Responsible Return to Play Framework can be found on our website: https://fieldhockeybc.com/covid-19-response/

For more information about the Technical Development Program, please visit our Female Technical Development page, or our Male Technical Development page.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Jameson, sportdevelopment@fieldhockeybc.com

Apply for the FHBC Foundation’s Coaching & Officiating bursaries!

Field Hockey BC is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Coaching Professional Development Bursary and the Jenny John Officiating Professional Development Bursary. The application deadline for both of these bursaries is April 9, 2021, and the recipients will be announced by the end of April.

These bursaries are designed to contribute towards an individual’s professional development in the sport of Field Hockey and are tailored to a value added ‘give back’ to field hockey in British Columbia. They are open to all levels of coach and official, with officiating including both umpires and technical officials.

Each bursary will award up to a maximum of $750. However, if there are multiple candidates accepted, smaller amounts may be considered. Note that applicants must be a member in good standing with Field Hockey BC and an active official or coach within National, Provincial or Club base programming.

Go to fhbcfoundation.com for more information and to download the application forms.


 

PHO Order Update: Adult Outdoor Sport

This is an important update provided by viaSport based on the latest PHO Order on Gatherings and Events that affects adult outdoor sport. Effective immediately, group sport activities like training and drills are permitted for adults 22 and older, provided they meet the following conditions:

  1. If the group sport is indoors, only two persons participate (no change)
  2. If the group sport is outdoors, only ten persons participate (increased from four people)
  3. The participants maintain a distance of three meters from one another while engaged in the group sport, unless the participants reside in the same private residence (no change)
  4. There are no spectators, unless the presence of a spectator is necessary in order to provide care to a participant (no change)

All other restrictions on indoor activities remain in place and there are no changes for youth sport to report today. This change for adult sport aligns with the loosening of restrictions announced on Friday, March 12, allowing 10 people to gather outdoors while maintaining our other layers of protection while indoors.


 

viaSport Grant update: 1.5 million dollars for second intake of LSRF

Dear Field Hockey BC Members, 

Please read the message below from viaSport regarding a second intake of the Local Sport Relief Fund (LSRF) by virtue of financial support from the Government of Canada Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations and the Province of B.C.

This initiative is aimed at non-profit, community level sport organizations, clubs and associations at risk of collapse or insolvency due to the impacts of COVID-19. Full information on the Local Sport Relief Fund can be found here: https://www.viasport.ca/grant/local-sport-relief-fund

—————————————

Dear Sport Leaders,

We are pleased today to share with you that thanks to financial support from the Government of Canada Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations and the Province of B.C., we are opening a second intake of the Local Sport Relief Fund (LSRF) with just over $1,000,000 available to new applicants. Together with the funding delivered in the September intake, this equates to just over $3,000,000 in relief funding that has been allocated to local sport organizations in B.C. This application-based grant will be administered through viaSport and increases the financial assistance available to non-profit, community level sport organizations, clubs and associations at risk of collapse or insolvency due to the impacts of COVID-19.

This is great news for the sector as the LSRF September intake highlighted the financial need that exists across all sports, and we were grateful to have been able to support 288 organizations with $1.5 million of funding during that intake.

The application process for this second intake will remain largely the same as in the fall with a few important changes:

  • All successful applicants from the first intake will be topped-up to receive the total amount of funding they requested, to a maximum of $7,500. This is in recognition of the high financial need of these organizations, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of their collapse or permanent closure. This will be communicated to them directly by viaSport and there is no need for them to re-apply. Funding will be delivered as soon as it is received by viaSport.
  • Organizations who applied in the fall but were not selected for funding or requested less than $7,500 will be able to reapply.
  • To reduce the application burden, organizations who are reapplying can choose between submitting a new application, or update their previous application with financial information only. When selecting this option, updated financial information will be combined with the information submitted in the initial intake application and assessed in its entirety.

Full information on the Local Sport Relief Fund can be found here: https://www.viasport.ca/grant/local-sport-relief-fund along with our news story on this funding. viaSport will begin sharing this information via our newsletter tomorrow (March 12) but as our partners, we wanted to give you the opportunity to share this exciting news with your membership prior to it being made public should you wish to do so.

We ask that you please share this information with your local sport clubs and we look forward to again working with you to distribute this funding. If you have any questions about this fund, please send an email to localsportrelief@viasport.ca.

Sincerely,

Charlene Krepiakevich
CEO, viaSport BC


 

Job Opportunities with Field Hockey Canada

Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is in search of two individuals to fill two positions, True Sport Manager and National Team Operations Manager. Application deadlines close as early as March 14th. 

As the True Sport Manager, your role and responsibilities would consist of managing the strategic implementation of safe, ethical and inclusive sport into all elements of field hockey across Canada. This position will lead FHC’s drive to ensure field hockey is a leader in gender equity, safe sport, diversity and inclusion.

As the National Team Operations Manager, you will provide support to the entire Field Hockey Canada high performance team, inclusive men, women and junior national teams, through a variety of administrative tasks.

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.fieldhockey.ca/employment-and-volunteer-opportunities/. If you have any inquiries, please reach out to FHC.


 

viaSport Community Gaming Grants program webinar

viaSport British Columbia will be hosting a webinar with Denise Mahon, Manager of Policy and Community Outreach with the Province of B.C. Community Gaming Grants Branch. The presentation will cover an overview of the Community Gaming Grant program and changes to the program for the 2021/22 grant year, concluding with a Q&A.

When: March 10, 12 to 1 p.m. PST

Register: https://viasport.formstack.com/forms/gaming_grant_webinar 

More information about the Community Gaming Grants here.