Umpire Development Opportunity in Victoria


Want to improve your own umpiring or umpire coaching? FHBC and MVPL will jointly host an umpire development opportunity to focus on key areas of the game while watching some of the top umpires and players in the country.

Facilitator: Alan Waterman – Olympic Umpire, FIH Umpire Manager
Q&A with FIH Umpires: Tyler Klenk, Meghan McLennan, Megan Robertson and Lelia Sacré
Price: FREE
Time: 2pm-6:30pm (3pm and 4:30pm match times)
Registration deadline: May 10th

Register through here: https://forms.gle/pQSFivPohxwbSMGB9



 

Umpire Assessors Courses


Field Hockey Canada and Field Hockey BC are running two Umpire Assessors Courses. The first course will take place this weekend in Vancouver; registration closes on Thursday, April 27th.

Course 1 – Vancouver

April 29th – 9am-12pm & 1-3:30pm @ Eric Hamber
April 30th- 11:30am-2pm @ Eric Hamber
Course Conductors: Lelia Sacre & TBC
Fee: $82.20 (FHBC course fee $70 + FHC official fee & RAMP fee)
Registration Deadline: April 27yh

Course 2 – Surrey

May 27th @ 9am-12pm & 1-3:30pm @ FHBC Office
May 28th @ 10am-12pm @ Tamanawis
Course Conductors: Lelia Sacre and TBC
Fee: $82.20 (FHBC course fee $70 + FHC official fee & RAMP fee)
Registration Deadline: May 24th

Assessors course eligibility: must be 19+, have 5 years+ umpiring experience at minimum provincial level and hold a current certification (exceptions will be made on a case by case basis).

For any inquiries regarding the courses, please contact Hailey Yhap at hyhap@fieldhockey.ca. To register, follow the instructions here.



 

Systemic National Coach and Official Certification Pathways Support

You can download the PDF version of this communique here.


Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Further to the Society’s targeted financial investment in both formal Coach and Officials Education over the course of the last two calendar years, FHBC is delighted to announce the continuation of this FHBC investment initiative targeting financial subsidy for formal NCCP Coach Education and for formal FHC Officials Education. The Society’s commitment to this FHBC financial investment initiative is intended to remain active for the remainder of the seasonal and fiscal year (through August 31, 2023).

FHBC is supporting the following initiatives towards both formal coach education through the NCCP pathway, as well as towards umpire education through the National Umpire Certification Program:

1. NCCP Safe Sport Context

  • FHBC will continue to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing the Safe Sport NCCP Making Ethical Decisions workshop (approximately $75 per coach candidate)

2. NCCP Community Coach Context

  • FHBC will subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing the NCCP Community Initiation Online Course ($15 per coach candidate)
  • FHBC will subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing the NCCP Community Coach Course – Technical Online Workshop ($50 per coach candidate)

3. Competition Coach Context

  • FHBC will subsidize 100% of the costs associated with FHBC Provincial Program Coaches (tasked with meeting Minimum NCCP Standards for National Championship Competition) accessing the NCCP Competition Introduction Online Module/Course Curricula (full stream cost approximately $600 per coach candidate – Modular costs range from $20-$250 per Module)
  • FHBC will subsidize 100% of the costs associated with FHBC Provincial Program Coaches (tasked with meeting Minimum NCCP Standards for National Championship Competition) accessing the NCCP Competition Development Online Module/Course Curricula (full stream cost approximately $1800 per coach candidate – Modular costs range from $90-$200 per Module)

4. Community Umpiring Course

  • FHBC will subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Community Umpiring Online Course ($25 per umpire candidate). This online course will now be offered ‘free of charge’ to FHBC Members

5. Umpire Assessors Course

  • FHBC will subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Umpire Assessors Course ($55 per umpire candidate)

As the field hockey community turns its attention towards 2023 Spring and Summer season delivery, FHBC encourages all BC Member Coaches and Umpires to take full advantage of this investment initiative opportunity. Should BC Member Coaches, Umpires, and/or Community Leads within the Club or League structure require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to FHBC for assistance.

For more information on the NCCP or Umpire Pathways please visit the FHBC website at https://fieldhockeybc.com/coaches/coaching-education/nccp-pathway/ and https://fieldhockeybc.com/officials/umpire-certification/ respectively.

Alternatively, BC Members can reach out directly for all Coach/NCCP related opportunities to:
FHBC’s Sport Development Manager, Katie Jameson via phone (778) 227-0895 or via e-mail at katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

For all Umpire related opportunities, reach out to:
FHBC’s Officials Coordinator, Shaquille Gilbert via phone (604) 737-3145 or via e-mail at eventsandofficials@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
April 5, 2023

———-

For more information on the NCCP or Umpire Pathways please visit the NCCP Pathway page or the Umpire Certification page respectively.

FHBC is seeking umpires for the VIT and for the Provincial Talent ID on Vancouver Island


Field Hockey BC is seeking umpires – of Provincial level or above – interested in attending the Vancouver International Tournament (VIT) in Burnaby or the Female Provincial Athlete Talent ID Stage 2 Trials on the Island.

VIT Information
Dates: May Long Weekend (May 20-22, 2023)
Location: Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West

Provincial Trials Information
Dates:
May Long Weekend (May 20-22, 2023)
Location: University of Victoria

If interested, please reach out to our Events and Officials Coordinator, Shaquille Gilbert, at eventsandofficials@fieldhockeybc.com.



 

FHBC RESPECT PROGRAM – Call to all Members to reflect on the Importance of Respect and Courtesy towards Officials

You can download the PDF version of this communique here.


Dear Field Hockey BC Members

As the 2022-23 Senior Season closes and the 2023 Junior Season opens this coming weekend, I write on behalf of the FHBC Board of Directors to highlight and remind all members about the importance of respect and courtesy towards our valued Officials and Umpires at all levels of field hockey across BC.

Our great game cannot function or offer a compelling value proposition without Officials and Umpires driving the sport forward in partnership with Coaches, Players, Volunteers, and Fans. Without them we do not have a game or a sport. Like Players and Coaches, Umpires and Officials devote time, energy and expertise into performing their duties on a weekly basis and we should appreciate all the time and effort they put in.

If Field Hockey across BC is going to continue to thrive and maintain the amazing sense of community and inclusiveness it has, there needs to be respect for everyone in the game. This respect must come from those both on and off the field of play. I would encourage everyone to refamiliarize themselves with the FHBC RESPECT PROGRAM and the associated Codes of Conduct that are available to read and download from the Documents section of the FHBC Website at https://fieldhockeybc.com/documents/.

It remains a given that Officials and Umpires make mistakes…as do Players and Coaches. Being an Umpire or Official is a tough and often thankless job. They give up their time to ensure Players, Coaches, Parents, Fans, and Spectators enjoy everything that is great about field hockey.

Regardless of decisions made, whether right or wrong, there is no excuse or justification for verbally abusing or threatening Officials and Umpires. Next time you think about criticizing an umpiring decision or witness someone hurling verbal abuse from beyond the field of play, choose RESPECT instead of criticism and ridicule.

We all have a responsibility to set an example through how we act and what we say. Just like acknowledging the opposition after a hard-fought game, Officials and Umpires deserve a ‘thank you’ for their participation regardless of the result.

Everyone has a responsibility to make field hockey the best game it can be. We are blessed to have so many fantastic people involved in our sport and by retaining Officials and Umpires and attracting others to take up these important roles, field hockey across BC will continue to go from strength to strength. Here’s to a memorable, for all the right reasons, Spring and Summer season. Enjoy!

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
March 31, 2023



 

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.