Fundraiser to help Vancouver umpire Meghan McLennan go to the Junior Pan Am


The local umpiring community is rallying behind Vancouver umpire Meghan McLennan who was recently appointed to represent Canada at the the upcoming Junior Pan American Championships, April 10-18, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Meghan needs to fund her travel down to Barbados and needs the community’s support.

If you can share in your networks or consider contributing to support Meghan, it would be greatly appreciated. Any additional funds that are raised will be donated directly to the Field Hockey Canada Officials Committee, where it will be specifically used for Officials ONLY development.

Donate or share: https://gofund.me/0012c54a



The FHC Officials Committee is calling for new members

The FHC Officials Committee is looking to add new members. The mandate of the Officials Committee is to identify, develop, and prepare officials1 for domestic and international competitions.

The Committee is looking to expand its membership in early 2023. If interested in joining the committee, please send the following information to the Committee at Officials@fieldhockey.ca by January 5th, 2023.

For more details, access the full communique here.



 

Officials from BC share their experiences at the 2022 Masters World Cup

 

Denishe McGeachy (middle) umpiring at the Masters World Cup

The FIH Masters World Cup returned in 2022 after a four-year hiatus. A strong Canadian contingent travelled to Cape Town, South Africa and this was more than just a team of players. Field Hockey Canada was represented by technical officials Tony Stewart, of Alberta, and Sanjya D’Silva, of Ontario, and B.C.’s Michelle McNaughton, also appointed assistant technical director of the tournament. Victoria’s Denise McGeachy was also present as an appointed umpire. B.C.’s John Sacre, Kent McKinnon and Nicky Graham were also present as coaching and staff for the Canadian men’s side.

“We were all very busy on a daily basis – especially Michelle who, as Assistant TD, was often at the pitch all day long”, recalls McGeachy, who umpired at the World Cup and was even selected to umpire the Over 60s Women’s Final. McGeachy and McNaughton are dedicated members of the Field Hockey BC Board of Directors – as President and Coaching Director.

According to McGeachy, the coexistence between players, supporters, and officials from across the globe created a scenario of shared experiences and learning opportunities.

“Our community in Canada is so small, it was refreshing to umpire different players/teams and other umpires,” added McGeachy. “Every game was a blank slate and free from preconceptions – by both the teams and umpires.”

There was also a distinct and “refreshing” level of respect between the teams and umpires that McGeachy recognized. “This does not mean that there were not disagreements,” she added “After the final whistle, players, coaches, and managers always shook hands and acknowledged the umpires and each other, regardless of the outcome. We in Canada need to do a better job in this area.”

“The Masters World Cup was unlike any umpiring experience I have had in Canada. The quality of play was outstanding and the opportunity to umpire with, and learn from, the other umpires and umpire managers was a very enriching and positive experience.”

Running the show

McNaughton, FHBC’s Coaching Director, took on the position of Assistant Tournament Director in Cape Town and was tasked with overseeing five pitches over three venues, so “there was always something to do or to solve” as she puts it.

“My ability to speak French came in very helpful numerous times,” said the Chilliwack club member. “I was assigned to the Over 45s – men and women’s – as their contact person and coordinator.”

This meant dealing with the teams’ logistics, uniform colours and a variety of technical inquiries.

“Every day I was assigned to a different pitch so, everyday was something different,” she explained. “Not only that ,we were mentoring a lot, and getting new officials in on games, shadowing and teaching. Also, jumping in wherever there may have been gaps on the table. A lot of early mornings, late nights, and awesome teamwork.”

FHBC: What parts of this experience were valuable to bring back to help our sport in BC?
MM: “You have to understand, as an assistant technical director, it is not just the athlete experience that you oversee, it is everything – the spectators, media, the field, technical questions; it is observing how everyone does it just a little bit different. For me, it is the patience and confidence, also just to trust your officials team. The seven of us worked so well together, and the strength lied in recognizing the virtues and abilities of our on field team. The same applies to BC.”

FHBC: What did you notice about South Africa and the hosting community that inspired you?
MM: “I’d like to see us support our officials more, and have more opportunities by having more events. Additionally, utilizing Altius more, having that common database for all domestic competitions, as South Africa does, is really nice because you can pick up trends and concerns early, especially around cards and behaviors. You can also track athletes, which is a great recruitment and tracking tool.”

FHBC: What other lessons did you take away?
MM: “I am not sure I can even quantify it all: confidence, understanding. With so much going on, and overseeing the “most competitive” age division while tending to a venue or another division’s concerns, it gets to be overwhelming fast. Keeping my own personal journal and taking the time to make notes and observations was important; cultivating relationships to build mutual trust and respect.

“Also, giving credit and respect where it is due. A lot of times, people take expertise for granted; feedback both constructive and positive, as well as appreciation, go a long way. Being told I run a clean, strong field on more than one occasion was nice.”

FHBC: What’s next for you after this?
MM: “Making sure the people who mentored me and helped build my capacity know how thankful I am for their time, friendship and expertise. I will continue working with our wonderful staff, volunteers, and people to get more officials trained to start building the capacity to have officials at every major fixture.
However, for me personally, I would hope it would be more domestic and international appointments, both as a TO or as a ATD or TD. FHC National Championships? Pan American Games? FIH Pro League?

—————

McNaughton and McGeachy have now returned to BC and brought with them significant experiences and lessons to help improve the sport in British Columbia and Canada. They are ready to share what they have learned; these kinds of opportunities will only help us grow as a community and open doors for future current and future field hockey officials.

 

International Hockey Federation updates rules for Indoor and Outdoor

INDOOR RULES

The FIH Rules Committee would like to inform of the following updates:

  • FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey guidance note (see page 17) on the:
    • Use of Protective Equipment rule – removal of Penalty Corner protective equipment
    • National Associations and Continental Federations are advised to follow this guidance in their Indoor competitions leading to the FIH Indoor World Cup in 2023
    • No rule changes have been made, therefore implementation dates remain unchanged.

OUTDOOR RULES

The FIH Rules Committee would like to inform of the following updates:

If you have any inquiries, please contact eventsandofficials@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

Registration is now open for the next Provincial Umpire Course

Field Hockey BC is now accepting registrations for a new Provincial Umpire Course that will happen on Monday July 4 & Tuesday Ju5 via ZOOM – spots are limited!

This course is being subsidized this season and is therefore FREE for FHBC Members with a currently valid Membership for the 2021-22 season. The cost of the course for non-members is $85.

Provincial Courses consist of two sessions of 3 hours, including theory and exam. Participants are required to attend both sessions to be eligible to write the exam. Candidates must be a minimum of 13 years by the end of the calendar year to register.

Date: Monday July 4 & Tuesday July 5
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm PDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Lelia Sacre
Cost: FREE for FHBC Members. The cost for non-members is $85

To register, simply access https://www.fieldhockeybc.ca/fhbc/courses.php/

For more information, access our Umpire Education page.

Provincial Umpire Course – registration now open for the course in May!

This course is being subsidized this season and is therefore FREE for FHBC Members with a currently valid Membership for the 2021-22 season. The cost of the course for non-members is $85.

Provincial Courses consist of two sessions of 3 hours, including theory and exam. Participants are required to attend both sessions to be eligible to write the exam. Candidates must be a minimum of 13 years by the end of the calendar year to register.

Upcoming Courses:

Date: Wednesday May 25 & Thursday May 26
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm PDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Lelia Sacre
Cost: FREE for FHBC Members. The cost for non-members is $85
Register Here (Register by Friday May 20)

Umpires & Officials Opportunities

2022 U18 Club Championships – Call For Officials

FHBC is seeking Umpires – Provincial level and above – interested in officiating at the 2022 U18 Club Championships.

Available events:

  • U18 Girls – May 27 (eve), 28 and 29 @Tamanawis Park, Surrey, BC
  • U18 Boys – June 3 (eve), 4 and 5 @Rutledge Field, West Vancouver, BC

Reply with an expression of interest to info@fieldhockeybc.com. Please include your availability for these weekends.

Course Conductor Expression of Interest

Interested in supporting in the pathway and development of umpires and assessors? This is for you!

Field Hockey Canada is looking for individuals to deliver the Provincial and Regional Umpire Courses as well as being a Lead Assessor for the Assessor Course. Field Hockey BC will be accepting nominations until May 11, 2022, for review and will pass it onto FHC.

Please complete the following link to express your interest: https://forms.gle/7j4tAMA1dWC6taaLA

Should you have any questions, please contact Lelia Sacre at leliasacre@fieldhockeybc.com

2022 U18 Club Championships – Call For Officials

FHBC is seeking Umpires – Provincial level and above – interested in officiating at the 2022 U18 Club Championships.

Available events:

  • U18 Girls – May 27 (eve), 28 and 29 @Tamanawis Park, Surrey, BC
  • U18 Boys – June 3 (eve), 4 and 5 @Rutledge Field, West Vancouver, BC

Reply with an expression of interest to info@fieldhockeybc.com.

Please include your availability for these weekends.

Provincial Umpire Course – FREE Registration for FHBC Members!

FHBC has opened registrations for our next Provincial Umpire Course, which will take place on April 19, 2022, at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre (formerly Fortius) in Burnaby.

This course is being subsidized this season and is therefore FREE for FHBC Members with a currently valid Membership for the 2021-22 season. The cost of the course for non-members is $85.

Provincial Courses consist of two sessions of 3 hours, including theory and exam. Participants are required to attend both sessions to be eligible to write the exam. Candidates must be a minimum of 13 years by the end of the calendar year to register.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, APRIL 14

  • Date: Tuesday April 19 & Wednesday April 20
  • Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm PDT
  • Location: Active Studio @ The Christine Sinclair Community Centre (formerly Fortius) in Burnaby
  • Instructor: Tyler Klenk
  • Cost: FREE for FHBC Members. The cost for non-members is $85

Register for the course here.

2022 Vancouver International Tournament (VIT) – Call For Officials

FHBC is seeking Umpires – Provincial level and above – interested in officiating at the 2022 Vancouver International Tournament.

Available divisions:

  • Competitive (Women)
  • Masters Over 35 (Women)
  • Social (Women)
  • Social (Men)
  • Mixed

Tournament Dates: May Long Weekend (May 21-23, 2022)
Tournament Venue: Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West

Please reply with an expression of interest by April 14, 2022 to info@fieldhockeybc.com.