Devon Hockey Umpires' Association

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2011-09-22T18:01:00.000+01:00

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President's Daily Diary

2011-09-12T19:15:00.000+01:00

A good weekend at the ISCA pre-season Tournament at Exeter School on Saturday; more fitness worked needed by players and umpires! Some pictures uploaded to @devonhua on Twitter; http://twitter.com/#!/devonhua/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitpic.com%2F6itflm

‘No dotted lines round the circle’ has raised its ugly head as the season approaches. Clearly there should be dotted lines as shown in the Rules of Hockey. However, what do you do as an umpire if there are none? Play on I say! See the News Item at http://www.devonhockey.net/Public/News.php for further details.

Worked on the Plymouth Marjon HC pre-season Tournament Umpire Appointments for 17 September to be held at 3 Plymouth venues (UCP Marjon, Lipson Community College and Royal Marine Stonehouse).

President's Daily Diary

2011-09-07T19:57:00.001+01:00

Game on as more friendly fixtures tweaks required on the Devon Hockey Website as the pre-season gets into full swing.

Received the Plymouth Marjon pre-season tournament schedule for Saturday 17 September; full details to follow when finalised. It will be a slightly different line up and format this year with Mens Premier 1 & 2 teams forming a ‘Premiership’ round robin tournament and Men’s Premier 3 Teams and below forming a round robin ‘Championship’.

I also had to sort our some bouncing emails as some people have not kept their email addresses up to date on the Devon Hockey Website. Can everyone make sure your contact details are updated asap please?

Starting to receive requests for Level 1 Umpire Award courses. Graham Doney is DHUA Umpire Course Coordinator so please direct and question on this to him at (see http://www.devonhockey.net/Public/Committees.php for details of how to contact him).

Added News Items to the Devon Hockey Website about the EHB Roadshow ‘Are We Ready’ in Exeter on 3 October 2011 and FIH Champions Trophy no longer being held in India in 2011 (see http://www.devonhockey.net/Public/News.php for details).

President's Daily Blog

2011-09-06T19:08:00.000+01:00

Had a very good pre-AGM DHUA Committee Meeting last night where all the items on the AGM Agenda were discussed and agreed.

Friendly fixtures are still coming in asking for umpires for this weekend!!! Will try to appoint as best we can but not much notice usually means no umpires as they are already allocated!

Now looking to the planning for the Plymouth Marjon pre-season Tournament on Saturday 17 September; still await programme of events.

Last minute change of game times for the ISCA Tournament this Saturday so had to update the website with new times!

Umpire Appointments for 10 September 2011 published.

President's Daily Diary

2011-09-05T18:32:00.000+01:00

The weekend was good. It started off with the Exe Ladies Tournament where DHUA were providing umpires and coaching at St. James’ School in Exeter; the weather was kind and the Umpire Coaches and Umpires worked together to get up to speed for the season ahead.

After travelling to London overnight I returned Sunday to watch a new umpire who has arrived in the Devon. Tim is currently on the A Panel of National Young Umpire Promising List; he will be in Devon for 3 years as he studies in Plymouth.

Monday morning started with answering a few emails about the new ‘Devon HUA Availability Emails’ function. This is an AUTOMATED email and cannot be ‘switched off’ by the webmaster. See story at http://www.devonhockey.net/Public/News.php

Reviewed the DHUA Treasurer’s and Appointment Secretary’s Reports for the AGM on Sunday 18 September 2011 at ISCA Clubhouse, starting at 11.00 am prompt. Also prepared for the DHUA Management Committee Meeting at The Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey this evening starting at 7.30 p.m.

President's Daily Diary

2011-09-02T17:43:00.000+01:00

Initially dealt with a few general emails.

There have been a few changes to teams and umpires at Exe Ladies Tournament on Saturday so have had to re-jig things.

Also did the draft umpire appointments for the ISCA pre-season tournament at Exeter School.

Finally, late minute changes to Exeter University fixtures on 10 & 11 September as Bromley and Beckenham unable to raise a team! New fixture organised by Exeter University v Whitchurch on 10th instead.

President's Daily Diary

2011-09-01T18:44:00.002+01:00

Only action today (due to very heavy business workload) was to email all those DHUA appointed umpires involved in the Exe Ladies run Exeter Tournament with the programme of events, where DHUA will be providing umpire coaching to those involved.

As a note for AGM, I will not be able to maintain the large amount of time I have given to the administration of the association as I run my own small business and this demands a large amount of time at the moment. The DHUA committee will need new committee members to take up some small responsibilities to ease and spread the association workload.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-31T20:40:00.000+01:00

Back in the groove after camping in Cornwall; weather not bad. Also had the pleasure of being at Old Trafford on Sunday for our stunning 8-2 victory over Arsenal (sorry Graham).

Started off by emailing all pool umpires to remind them to update their availability for September; the pre-season fixtures and tournaments are coming thick and fast. Also made an umpire inactive as they had failed, despite being given an extension period over the summer, to record their 3 games.

David Starmer, a long serving member of the association retired. David started playing hockey in 1945 and he moved to Devon in 1988, umpiring his first game in the county with Roger Reffell at Sidmouth on the grass. Latterly, David umpired only on Wednesday’s at Exeter University but has now decided at 78 to call it a day. Thank you very much David for your support of Devon Hockey over the last 23 years.

Also, a German Umpire (Tilman Schulz-Klingner) will be joining the association whilst he studies at the University of Exeter for 9 months. It will be nice to get a different perspective on umpiring from him whilst he is in Devon. I have emailed him some relevant information.

Appointments for this weekend have been published for the 3rd and 4th September but there has not been much availability added and not many games (some of the games have no times Torbay HC so DHUA will not be appointing to them as per our policies and procedures).

Updated the fixtures for the ISCA pre-season tournament at Exeter School on Saturday 10 September involving ISCA, Plymouth Marjon and Truro.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-20T14:42:00.000+01:00

Worked on online survey with Andy Harvey for the AGM and Umpire Coaching events on 18 September 2011 so DHUA has member feedback to plan the day and the season ahead. This has been published and can be viewed and completed by DHUA Member at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TM5SJCM

Now following @MannameadLHC (Mannamead Ladies HC) on Twitter and now cracked the 50 followers on Twitter (@devonHUA).

New hockey stick regulation are coming in domestically on 1 January 2013; see http://englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=10689&itemTitle=New+FIH+stick+regulations§ion=22§ionTitle=News for more (but not much more) details!

Off camping for a week in Cornwall - hope it's dry.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-18T20:12:00.000+01:00

2 new Twitter followers today, @plymouthhockey (Plymouth Marjon HC) and @philrilers (Phil Riley), making 47 followers; edging towards the big 5 0! Also thanks to @PGSOBHockey (PGSOB HC) for the retweet.

Still sorting out and adding pre-season fixtures, the latest from Ottery Crickets HC (thanks Mike).

Finally, starting to put names against games for pre-season, especially the National League warm up fixtures involving Exeter University, Surbiton plus Bromley & Beckenham. There are also pre-season tournaments involving West Premier 1 & 2 teams bot men and women. Umpire coaching will run alongside these.

Just as a reminder, the DHUA AGM is Sunday 18 September at ISCA Clubhouse at 11am followed by opening National League game with EHL Premier League fixture of Exeter University v Reading at 12.30pm.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-17T18:23:00.000+01:00

Started by sorting out Friendly Fixtures between clubs; not many fixtures have been notified for pre-season. Those clubs that do will stand a good chance of getting appointed umpires. It seems weird that clubs are arranging pre-season fixtures, where no doubt they are getting up to speed for the league season ahead, but they give little thought to getting DHUA appointed umpires! Are they planning to play without umpires or are they going to use their own?

Liaised with the DHUA Treasurer and DHUA Auditor on the association accounts, which are to be presented at the AGM on 18 September and which are now almost complete.

Emailed committee about a pre-AGM DHUA Management Committee meeting, 7.30 pm Monday 5 September at Bovey Tracey, to discuss the AGM at 11 am on 18 September 2011 at ISCA HC Clubhouse.

Also dealt with having a Welfare Officer for DHUA; a suggestion from previous DHUA Welfare Officer is to have a joint one with DHA, which seems to be eminently sensible.

The review of inactive Level1 Umpires and Level 1 Candidates will take place at the start of September and be complete for the AGM.

Finally, had a brief meeting with Julia Gill (who was in Plymouth) about the elite Devon Umpire Coaching pre-season programme.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-16T18:43:00.000+01:00

We have been gaining some new twitter followers, the latest being Cheltenham Hockey Club. If you don’t follow on twitter but want to then follow devonhua at http://www.twitter.com/

It is now time to carry out the annual review of inactive umpires and Level 1 Candidates who have failed to qualify in the 24 months allowed by England Hockey; this will be conducted by the DHUA Level 1 Register and Membership Secretary.

I have had a few emails about the future Level 1 Umpire Award courses. Incidentally, from the 2008/9 season to the 2011/11 season the number of qualified Level 1 Umpires in Devon has increased by 23.73% as a result of the policies instigated by DHUA under it’s ‘Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring’ programme. This has meant that the number of umpires per Devon league hockey team has increased from 1.72 umpires to 2.16. The aim is to increase this to 3 over the next few seasons.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-15T18:46:00.000+01:00

After weekend off hockey admin it is back to the emails! I worked on the DHUA Umpire Coaching Plan 2011-12 prepared by the DHUA Selection and Coaching Committee. Also answered emails about a new National Young Umpire arriving in Devon (along with a current National League Umpire) and questions relating to Level 1 Umpire Courses in 2011/2012. I have asked the DHUA Umpire Course Co-ordinator to look at Level 1 Umpire Courses in September in Plymouth and hopefully Exeter.

President's Daily Diary

2011-08-12T16:58:00.000+01:00

Had an enquiry from a Devon Club about how to get access to the league websites to enter fixture information for the league so I have emailed all fixtures secretaries to inform them to update league fixture information, which can only be done via the relevant league website. OVER 30 FIXTURES currently have NO START TIMES! Once done this information is then transferred across to the Devon hockey website automatically within 24 hours.

Updated website with ISCA pre-season friendlies and sent tweet about other clubs who need friendly pre-season games umpired by DHUA.
Prepare the draft ‘Club Agreements’ whereby clubs can apply to be an ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ Club depending on the ratio of affiliated umpires per league team. The higher the ratio then the higher the club status, with ‘A’ being the highest Club Status. This means an ‘A’ Club gets higher umpire appointing priority and the lowest umpire appointing fees. Conversely a ‘C’ Club gets the lowest umpiring priority and the highest appointing fees.

Also authorised 2 updates to the website to assist the DHUA Appointment Secretary by providing email remainders for those who have not entered any availability or changed availability before appointments are published.

Finally the DHUA Blog has been optimised for reading on mobile devices (tweet sent about this); link is http://bit.ly/oCbhC5

President’s Daily Diary

2011-08-11T19:05:00.000+01:00

I have decided to try and update the blog on an ‘almost’ daily basis as the season approaches. It will probably be extremely boring for most of you but hey, here goes. The aim? To give the reader an idea of what issues are dealt with on an ongoing basis when running an umpire association.

I put together the agenda for the DHUA AGM (Sunday 18 September at 11am) and the umpire coaching event following (12.30pm) when Exeter University (on their return to the top flight) play Reading in the EHL Premier League; emailed this to the committee for comment before publishing.

Also started to update the Neutral and Area Pools based on the recommendations and updated criteria from the DHUA Selection and Coaching Committee chaired by Keith Dingle.

Finally, I was informed by London 2012 that a Devon Umpire I nominated to carry the Olympic Flame was unsuccessful.

Paddy

Do you do this?

2010-10-26T19:14:00.000+01:00

Is this you?

I hope not!

It would be nice though . . . wouldn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y4hYUxI1Vc

Kevin Hughes

2010-07-28T09:10:00.001+01:00

It is with sadness and regret that I have been informed that Kevin Hughes has passed away on Sunday 25 July. As soon as I have more details regarding the funeral, etc. I will post an updated News Item on the Devon Hockey Website.

Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Kevin and all those who were privileged to have known him.

If you have any information about Kevin that you would like to post on this blog then please do so or email me direct.

Paddy Porter, President DHUA
president@devonumpires.co.uk

From Andrew Harvey, Umpire colleague and friend:

I have known Kevin for my entire umpiring career, and for a while before that as a player. Kevin was my inspiration to take up umpiring for it was he that got me into blowing the whistle, I can still remember the first match that I umpired - it was with Kevin - Culm Vale vs Hornets played on the grass at Cullompton! Kevin's commitment to Devon Hockey was immense he also served the West and was well known throughout the division having sat on many a committee annoying others with his outspoken views but nevertheless a very committed person to the sport of Hockey.

I have (like others) enjoyed many a weekend in the acquaintance of Kevin while participating in a Hockey event. County Championships in the West whereby Kevin has often been a judge, the Exeter Sixes at King George V playing fields in Exeter and in recent years have seen Kevin supporting both Isca HC and Exeter University HC as a spectator. The most memorable event that Kevin used to organise was getting a group of Devon Umpires to travel up to Bristol to take part in the annual Firebrands Veterans tournament; we would often stay in the Clifton Area of Bristol. Kevin always claimed that he knew the area well but we would often find ourselves lost, driving around Bristol in his much loved blue BMW. A member of the Boxing Day Turkey Trot, Kevin up to not so long ago would attend, the skill level was never that great but with the respect of others who attended he would have an enjoyable game of hockey.

It is with Devon Hockey Umpires that Kevin will be most remembered to the Hockey community, a previous President of the association, I can still remember attending the appointments meeting at his house off Topsham Road in Exeter. In June 2007 Devon Umpires association made Kevin an Honorary Vice President of the association for outstanding service to Devon Umpiring. Having known Kevin through the sport of Hockey within Devon his support continued away from Hockey, I am privileged to regard Kevin and his late wife Margaret as friends, for when my wife and I started in business 10 years ago, Kevin and Margaret could often be seen popping up to our Cafe for a drink only to find them washing dishes and clearing away tables.

Today's success of Devon Umpires association is as a result of many people and their commitment to the sport of hockey, but in the days when umpiring was not as popular as it is now it was the likes of Kevin Hughes who kept the association going, forming the foundation of the success that Devon Hockey Umpires association is today.

Hockey - Does it have a future?

2010-06-17T18:05:00.004+01:00

In recent months I have, either formally or informally, been able to view a number of hockey “case studies”. They cover the full spectrum of hockey from school, club, university, technikon, province, state, district, national and continental.

By Steve Jaspan,
FIH Executive Board member and chairman of the FIH High Performance Committee:

Sadly my conclusion is that in far too many cases hockey is battling for survival – virtually on a lifeboat bobbing on a sea where the wind, waves and sharks, borne of the pressure of a lack of resources, are buffeting the loyal band (of largely voluntary) administrators. I watch schools hockey and am perturbed at the overall approach across the full spectrum of school teams and the superficiality of coaching and preparation.

The loss of players after leaving school is enormous. Clubs are by and large battling for survival and there has been a shrinking of the number of club teams – certainly here in South Africa. Provincial Hockey administration is threadbare and under constant pressure – often just keeping their finger in the dike like the Dutch legend – rather than longer term planning.

The quality of umpiring in lower leagues is often something which raises serious concerns and tensions amongst players. The majority of National Associations can hardly keep the wolf from the door as their international team programmes consume the majority of their budgets leaving the average league players disgruntled that they are not receiving value for levies or subscriptions paid and demanding a bigger piece of the pie.

Many National Associations are run primarily by volunteers or a combination of a small full time staff and volunteers – all massively dependent on Government grants. This puts them at the whim of politicians who often force issues upon these Associations. The Continental Federations have vast hockey territories to administer – expensive, arduous and complex, as there are language differences, vast distances to travel, and varying standards of communication, and of course vastly differing local conditions and resources.

Hockey has to come up with innovative plans to break this stranglehold and despite the excellent work of the Development and Coaching Committee of the FIH and the Continental Development Officers, new ideas to assist Continental Federations and National Associations have to be devised and effectively implemented. Greater assistance needs to be given to break the vicious circle of mere survival – the “Treadmill syndrome”. We need to give our members, the National Associations as much support as possible.

In fact, we need to enhance and intensify this support!

For hockey to gain “market” share in the World of Sport, the FIH’s new Strategic Planning must be completed and urgently implemented to increase income threefold! Resources must rapidly flow to key strategic projects. It is no longer just a dream but an absolute necessity!

Statement by Paddy Porter,
President DHUA:

Sounds familiar, even in the UK! Clearly hockey has to compete against other sports (e.g. football, rugby, to name but a few) and therefore everyone involved in the wonderful game of hockey (e.g. players, umpires, administrators, leagues, association, etc.) need to think about the ‘big picture’ and not about their own self interest.

What do you think?

IMHT 2009 - Hong Kong

2009-11-02T21:12:00.000Z

To round up the tournament the following will be uploaded to the Blog when I return to Plymouth later this week.

IMHT 2009 - The Final Whistle:
IMHT 2009 - The Official Pictures:
IMHT 2009 - Masters Over 40:
IMHT 2009 - Masters Over 45:
IMHT 2009 - Masters Over 50:
IMHT 2009 – Masters Over 55:
IMHT 2009 - The Umpires:

In the meantime I thought you’d like these photos:

"Cleanliness and hand washing is very important with Swine Flu about!"

This was a right old dragon I picked up when sufferring from 'heat exhaustion'!

"Thankfully not a typo!"

"You need to be careful in the park with the girls!"

"No, that's NOT an Umpire 'refuelling' after a game!"

“That’s how you ‘refuel’ after a game – way to go Tommo (well a very long way to go to finish that chicken)!”

“Trent is only thinking of his 2 months in Thailand after the IMHT but Tommo is concerned that his Aussie colleague isn’t concentrating on the game"

"Now Trent, this is what we in England call a ‘whistle’!”

IMHT 2009 – Day 8

2009-11-02T20:38:00.000Z

Here we are, after 7 days of hockey and umpiring, the final and 8th day and the final games that will determine the final positions with 4 finals. Well strictly speaking 3 finals (Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55) and games that involved teams which would decide who was 1st and 2nd in the Over 40 round robin tournament. Oh, almost forgot to mention, in the midday sun the temperature reached 30C for the first time.

"Paddy limbers up for the big game later with some in-game stretches!"

First up for me it was a friendly at 12.30 p.m. with Brian Moore (Scotland). In the Masters Over 50s there are 6 teams but only the top 4 go into the semi-final plays off so this left the bottom 2 teams Malaysia and Singapore without a game. In the Masters Over 55s, there was no 3rd v 4th play off after the semi-finals. So instead a friendly game was organised between Korea v Singapore, with no limit on age. For Korea there was the female Coach (who was very good, apparently an ex national hockey player and it showed) and the 4 guest Italians who turned up and helped make up the Korean numbers during the tournament as they were short. There is no truth in the rumour that the Italians were Mafia but, hey, I didn't argue with them, especially the one they called 'The Don'!

Needless to say, as I had a game later in the day and given the stifling heat whilst running around, I made sure that I conserved my energy and kept hydrated with water and sports drink. The Singaporeans won 3-0 and everyone lived happily ever after, as far as I am aware.

"The secret to good umpiring is not Gatorade but it's better than Guinness between and during games and gives a more favourably impression to the players and spectators!"

Tommo meanwhile had the 2.30 p.m. Singapore v Hong Kong Over 40s game, which effectively was the 6th v 7th place play off as neither side had won or drawn any of their previous 5 games in that age group. Tommo and Scott Orth (Australia) were kept very busy, well when I say busy I mean busy for a half each as Hong Kong put 8 past Singapore who managed a consolation goal (ahhh).

"Tommo checks his feet are still there after his busy week of exertions - Yes! - that's them!"

And so it came to pass that in the final Over 40 game of the day I found myself umpiring Australia v Scotland with my New Zealand colleague Mike Ward. This game always had the potential to be very important and so it came to be due to earlier results in this group, whereby Australia found they had to had to win by 10 clear goals to win 1st place and become World Masters Over 40 Champions and pip New Zealand with England already in 3rd place and Scotland guaranteed 4th, unless of course Scotland beat Australia by 9 clear goals when they would be 3rd and England 4th. Whilst the Scots have improved over the tournament as a team there was no-one anticipating anything other than an Aussie win – it was just by how much!

The game started at 3.30 p.m. with the temperature now having fallen to only 28.9C (as recorded by the digital readout on the Hong Kong Jockey Race Course ). The match report will follow later as I round up the 4 groups, give you all the scores and final positions, over the next few days . . .

IMHT 2009 - Day 7

2009-11-01T06:08:00.002Z

The penultimate day of the tournament and it’s all to play and sweat for in the heat. With not a cloud in the sky and the temperature still around 28C it seems even hotter today or perhaps that was down to all the added expectation as teams jockeyed for position in the round robin tournaments and final places in the play off tournaments.

First up, Umpire Tommo in the Over 55 Semi-final Play between Australia and v Korea at 10.30 a.m. No-one expected anything other than an Australian win and no-one had their expectations dashed (all the photographs are of Tommo).

Next up for me was Scotland v Singapore Over 50 at 12.30 p.m. (the hottest part of the day) in another expected mismatch, umpired with Mick Ward (New Zealand). As I had 2 games in a row today I was more that happy to have a quiet first half as the play was up my colleagues end; 4-0 was the half time score. Second half, I had the majority of the play and while Scotland took a little time to get going again they finally got into gear and it all ended in smiles, handshakes and 8-0 to Scotland.

With only 30 minutes to rest and re-hydrate, it was over to the adjoining Happy Valley pitch for Ireland v Singapore Over 40s with Australian Umpire John ‘Jockey’ Wallace. After a rest day Ireland were up for the game, having secured their 1st ever win at this level 2 days previously. They had even watched Singapore the previous day and they approached the game in a professional way. With Irish Tommo in goal at my end in the first half it was going to be an interesting game.

The Irish started slowly (it was very hot) and didn’t seem to get out of 1st gear. Their passing was poor and Singapore decided to take advantage. It took Ireland several minutes for them to even get the ball into the other half but not for and length of time. Singapore started to press the Irish defence more and more and eventually after a good passing move a ball hit into the circle from open play was deflected into the Irish net just in front of me. I awarded the goal as I felt it had gone in off the players stick but the Irish defence vehemently disagreed so I stopped time and consulted with Jockey who said it was off the stick and then the foot so I awarded a free hit. Whilst initially aggrieved, the Singapore players and Manager agreed after the game it was not a ‘goal’. Phew!

Maybe this was the wake up call they needed and Ireland started to play some better hockey and eventually they pressed the Singaporeans back and got the goal they were so desperately craved. Half time 1-0 to the Irish.

The second half was an almost exact repeat of the 1st half with poor play initially by the Irish, Singapore pressing the Irish defence and then another Singaporean ‘goal’ incident and an indignant Irish defence. It was my colleague turn to stop time and consult with me, as to whether the ball had gone over the back line, as the Irish claimed, prior to going in the net. After a discussion my colleague gave a long corner for a deflection off an Irish stick over the back line prior to it being played back into the field of play for the ‘goal’. Cue Singaporean indignation at having been denied their 2nd ‘goal’ of the game. After the game the Singapore Manager, who was clearly not a happy chappie, was very aggressive towards my colleague and matters started to get heated (even in the already hot day).

So after 2 games in one day I was more than happy to head off to the beer tent by the main pitch and have a drink, or 2, to cool down and unwind watching the last 2 games of the day, New Zealand v Scotland and Australia v England, both Over 40s.

IMHT 2009 – Day 6

2009-10-30T18:23:00.019Z

After the ‘fun and games’ the previous day, a not altogether pleasant experience, I was looking forward to a more relaxed and stress free game and so it was when I umpired Malaysia v Singapore Over 50 with Brian Moore (Scotland). The Malaysian’s are a delightful team, with a few players who have wonderful sticks skills and never get excited about decisions; they may ask for a penalty stroke or a free hit but when you decline to give one they smile, say sorry for asking (often with a ‘Sir’ thrown in for good measure) and they move on. Some other teams could learn a lot from them! Singapore are also nice to umpire. No cards, no big decisions and a 4-0 lead at half time to Malaysia. The second half was like the first and Malaysia ran out winners 7-0.

Tommo umpired Scotland v Singapore Over 40 and the Ireland team where they watching in force, one to support their new Irish keeper but also to run their eye over Singapore who they play in their last game on Friday. Scotland went in at half time 4-0 up and clearly still wanting more but they failed to keep the tempo up and ended up with a 6-0 victory. After the game, the Irish felt that they stand a good chance against Singapore, who are a lacking any depth or quality in their squad and a poor forward line.

Interesting Facts 7:
When I say facts, in this instance, I actually mean things I’ve heard in conversations I’ve had whilst hanging around the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) Bar so don’t quote me if you decide to move to Hong Kong.
1. You don’t ‘ask’ to join the HKFC Hockey Section, you are ‘invited’ to join (but if you’re a good hockey player then this isn’t a problem apparently)
2. The fee to join is HK$ 35,000 and a monthly subscription of about HK$ 1,200 but you do get to use all the facilities (e.g. Swimming Pool, Bars, Restaurants, Gym, etc., etc., ad infinitum)
3. If you are not a sports type person and don’t want to join any HKFC sports section, you can apply for membership at HK$ 3,500,000
4. However, you can ‘sell’ your membership on when you leave, subject to paying a percentage to the HKFC
5. You cannot use cash in the HKFC, it is all done on ‘chits’ or signing on a club card and then you are billed at the end of the month
6. All the competitors, umpires, officials and family have been guests at the club at no charge
7. We buy vouchers at reception and pay using these; a pint of lager is HK$ 30 (about £2.60); a burger & chips about HK$ 70 (£6.00)
8. Apparently quite a few years ago the Hong Kong Jockey Club asked the adjoining HKFC if it could buy it’s land as it wanted to extend its race course; in return they would build it all new facilities AND give it some money! Guess what – they said yes please!
9. It’s just the most amazing place.
10. We have been treated incredibly well by our hosts.

IMHT 2009 – Day 5

2009-10-30T17:10:00.007Z

Another hot day (only 27C today) and 2 games to umpire today so not much time to keep cool. First up at 1.30 p.m. HK was England v Australia (Over 55). This was the final game in the round robin with both on 6 points and with the winner having the better semi-final draw England needed a win whilst Australia would be happy with a draw.

As one might imagine, no game between these 2 nations is every entirely without incident and this proved to be no different. A tight 1st half didn’t leave much in it and, apart from some friendly chats and a couple of green cards, it was fairly even. As the temperature rose off the pitch so did the tempo on it. The whistle tones got louder and longer and as the commitment of the players rose higher. An Australian defender got a stick in the face as he attempted to stop and England forward shooting on goal. With blood streaming from this accidental nose injury the Nurse was called into action; after a few minutes treatment on the pitch the player made his way off for further treatment (all players substituted after a Nurse, Coach or Physio being called on by an umpire leads to a 2 minute injury ban from returning to the field of play).

Then in the last 10 minutes it all reached boiling point. First the England forward (already on a green card) blatantly pushed over an Australian defender when attempting to tackle from behind in the circle (Yellow Card) closely followed by an Australian defender, who decided that the old ‘lumberjack tackle’ was just what was required when trying to stop the advancing England winger just inside the 23 (Yellow Card). Another stoppage for a split forehead for an England Player (the Nurse was being kept busy) gave the players a final chance to catch their breath in the stifling heat. But, there was to be a final twist when in the last minute the already Yellow Carded England player, who had returned after his suspension, deliberately broke down play at a self pass by Australia and he departed the pitch for the 2nd time. Final result 2-2, 3 Yellow Cards and 4 Green Cards – a quiet day at the office! If interested England won the Yellow Card game. The teams are expected to meet again in the final on Saturday.

Umpire Tommo had a 14.30 p.m. game, Singapore v New Zealand Over 50, which was a little one sided and then Irish Tommo played for Ireland v Hong Kong Over 40 and they secured their first win of the Tournament (3-2) and their first win at the International Masters (World Cup). Needless to say their celebrations were typically enthusiastic as they had no game the next day.

After a cooling shower and a chance to chill the 2nd game was England v Hong Kong (Over 45). England had won all their games so far and clearly wanted to continue in the same vein. A tense opening period had a penalty stroke for England turned down by myself and several close calls as England went close but failed to score. Eventually they got the stroke they deserved when the Hong Kong defender stopped the ball on the line with his legs. Once the 1st goal was scored the final result was in no doubt and England duly won easily and thankfully only 3 Green Cards.

A few beers, after all the tournament games were over for the day, with the Irish Team in the Sportsmans Bar took the edge off the earlier unpleasantness and helped the day end on a more positive note.

Interesting Facts 6:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC, traditional Chinese: 香港賽馬會) is one of the oldest institutions in Hong Kong, founded in 1884 to promote horse racing. It was granted Royal Charter and renamed to "The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club" (英皇御准香港賽馬會) in 1959. The name of the institution was reverted to its original name in 1996 due to the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997.
It is a non-profit organisation providing horse racing, sporting and betting entertainment in Hong Kong. It holds a government-granted monopoly in providing betting on horse racing, the Mark Six lottery, and fixed odds betting on overseas football events; no other legalised betting is allowed in Hong Kong. The organization is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong, as well as the largest private donor of charity funds, contributing an average of over HK$1 billion (approximately £ 83 million) annually over the past ten years. The HKJC also provides dining, social and recreation facilities to its approximately 20,000 members.

http://www.hkjc.com/english/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Jockey_Club

IMHT 2009 – Day 4

2009-10-29T02:57:00.012Z

Although it started out a little overcast, the cloud soon disappeared and the sun shone as hot and as brightly as before. It almost reminds you of a British Summer – well a summer like we used to have when ‘I were a lad’!

Pictures are of Tommo playing for Ireland Over 40 v New Zealand Over 40.

Tommo (or ‘Irish Tommo’ as he is now rather affectionately called by the Irish squad) got his second game for Ireland Over 40’s. It was against England Over 40’s so an interesting match up considering Irish Tommo has already played over 50 times for various England Masters teams. With a 2.30 p.m. start the temperature on the pitch matched the temperature off it. After a fairly even and uneventful first 10 minutes, England undercut a shot that Irish Tommo palmed away for a long corner. After a few English penalty corners, a save by Irish Tommo deflected off the check of an Irish defender into the path of an England player who scored; 1-0. Sustained English pressure followed by Irish Tommo repelling all with some excellent saves with his pads, gloves and stick to the appreciation and applause of the crowd and umpires watching from the sidelines.

The second half began with some English forays but Ireland caught England unawares with a counter attack and from open play the Irish equalised. Needless to say this was wildly cheered from off the pitch but this only seemed to inflamed the English who pressed forward but it was Ireland who got a penalty corner. A hard shot from the Irish was saved by the English keeper but the ball popped up into the air and the Irish forward played the ball high into the net. Cue wild Irish celebrations and cheers from the crowd but the Irish party was ended prematurely as the New Zealand umpire ruled the attacker played the ball above his shoulder. Needless to say this was a crucial decision and the Irish were not best pleased, especially when the English went up the other end and scored almost straight away.

Now the temperature was red hot and tempers started to fray. An English player had to be substituted to be treated for blood streaming from a wound above his left ear as the tackles were going in thick and fast. Once the attending Nurse had stemmed the blood flow and was satisfied the player was OK he rejoined the play, only to cynically take out the Irish player who he felt had injured him, resulting in a 5 minute Yellow Card. Now down to 10 men, England seemed to click better and in quick succession slotted 2 goals away to make the score 4-1, before the suspended player returned. In truth England were the better side and deserved the 3 goal win but the Irish, to their credit, refused to blame the goal that never was and applauded the English team off the pitch at then end of the game. Irish Tommo has clearly now become an honorary Irishman and no doubt his saves and play will pass into Irish hockey legend.

With only 30 minutes between games, Irish Tommo had to become Umpire Tommo to join me for the Malaysia v Scotland Over 50’s game. As 4.30 p.m. approaches, the stadium falls into shade on one side so I let Umpire Tommo take this in order that he could try and cool down after sweltering in the borrowed Irish goalkeeping kit. Suggestions that he actually umpire in it by his colleagues were politely declined! Suffice to say the game was a competitive match with the Scottish coming out on top with no Yellow Cards. The highlight of the game was the gift of a small bottle of Macallan Whisky from the Scottish Team before the game. Now that is how you get umpires onside!

Interesting Facts 5:
As is tradition the umpires are given tops to umpire in at major tournaments. For this tournament we are resplendent in ‘Salmon Pink’, which thankfully does not clash with any team colours. We have been given 2 tops, as we may do 2 games in a day and also because of the heat (hence ‘perspiration’ issues may arise). Of course, this gives the players an ideal opportunity to make some ‘witty’ jokes at our expense. All I can say, and do in response, is that, “I’m comfortable with my sexuality!”

IMHT 2009 – Day 3

2009-10-28T02:46:00.011Z

Today was not only HOT it was very HOT. It may have been 28C (again) but there was a clear blue sky, NO wind, and humid conditions, as the water evaporated from the pitch after it was watered. In the heat of the day it felt a lot worse than 28C.

"A view from our room on the 13th floor of the South Pacific Hotel, between the skyscrapers of HK. The tennis courts on the white building are not part of the HKFC; apparently there is an indoor golf driving range in there also! On the green building behind this you might see the HKFC Tennis Courts on the 3rd floor of the Club with the outdoor pool to the left where the palm trees are. Finally, note the Health & Safety nightmare of the bamboo scaffolding, which is everywhere in HK on building sites, even on the top of skyscrapers that are being built – often 50 floors or more. HK has 12 of the tallest 20 buildings in the world!"

Tommo umpired Australia v Korea Over 55s at 10.30 a.m. in the burning early morning heat. The Korean Captain, who is apparently the ex National Coach of Korea and ex-player in the National Team, is undoubtedly the best player in this age group at the tournament. His stick and ball control and his dribbling were amazing and he scored the second Korean goal, which was just breathtaking. However, he didn’t have the same quality of players around him and Australia eventually ran out 8-2 winners after leading 2-0 at half time.

Thankfully by the time my game came around at 4.00 p.m. the sun was starting to fall behind the hills surrounding Hong Kong and whilst the temperature was 25C it was more manageable. Australia v Singapore Over 40’s was expected to be an easy game for Australia and so it proved to be in the early stages. The game was progressing nicely with Australia going 2-0 up by half time but in the second half things got tenser and Singapore started to fall apart with their discipline also slipping. A green card awarded by me to the Singapore right back, a Dutchman standing about 6ft 4in tall (he though we were going to ‘talk’ about it but clearly seemed very disappointed when I didn’t), was followed about 2 minutes later when he bellowed “unbelievable” at the top of his voice after my colleague awarded a penalty corner against them. Shortly afterwards an Aussie departed the field after he bulldozed a Singapore player from behind. With the score 5-1 towards the end of the game and Australia seeming happy enough with the score, a rare Singapore attack with a reverse stick sweep from the left wing outside the 25 saw the ball beat the defender and keeper for the forward to slot home from a foot. A huge cheer from the crowd said it all and it ended 5-2 to Australia.

In case you thought this was a bunch of old guys running around having a laugh in the fading days of their hockey career then you would be very wrong. Some of these players were full internationals, many with numerous caps. In the first game the Ireland Over 40 goalkeeper dislocated his shoulder and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance; he can’t play for 3 weeks. As they didn’t have a reserve keeper one of their centre backs Jamie Aitken went on goal and they lost 3-0 to Australia. Although Jamie went in goal for the second game he had decided he preferred to play outfield and so Tommo was called upon to play (with the permission of Geoff Hollis the Umpire Manager). No doubt, at some point in his past Tommo has some Irish ancestry; I’m not sure knowing me counts but he won his first Irish Cap v New Zealand losing 3-0 (it’s OK, we can’t blame Tommo for that – it would have been much worse had he not been playing).

Click this link if you want to know what internal club facilities are at the HKFC http://www.hkfc.com.hk/floorplan.asp

Interesting Facts 4:
During the competition each of the 3 pitches in use has the following allocated/provided for each day of the competition:
> 1 crate of bottled water per team (24 bottles)
> A cold box (they call it a chilly bin) full of ice to put the bottled water in per team.
> A bucket of chilled water and towels so they can use these to cool players down by placing them on their head or round their necks when players exit the field of play.
> A Nurse in case of injury (e.g. cuts, bruises, concussion, heat exhaustion, etc.) and believe me they have all been busy every day!
> A defibrillator (so far not used thankfully)!

IMHT 2009 – Day 2

2009-10-26T16:24:00.009Z

Thankfully the weather, whilst as warm as before, was helped by cloud that helped to reduce the direct sunlight and make umpiring more comfortable. Whilst Day 1 only had 4 fixtures, Day 2 had 8 and the tournament was well and truly on.

"The Umpire Manager said I was 'Umpiring within the shell of my comfort zone' - what does he know!"

Some umpires, especially those who did not umpire on the first day had 2 games to umpire on Day 2. Luckily I only had one and it was the Over 50’s game between my old friends Australia, from the previous day, v Malaysia, who were playing their first game. I was umpiring with another Hong Kong umpire Malcolm Pratt. Australia started slowly (perhaps a little tired from their exertions the previous day) but slowly they started to press and went in at half time 1-0 up. In the second half Malaysia stated better and equalised after a lovely reverse stick deflection from a long pass from outside the 25, at my end, to make it 1-1. However, this only seemed to annoy Australia who then proceeded to rack up the tempo and run out 4-1 winners. Not a very stretching game, interspersed with niggling fouls that failed to improve despite our best efforts so as the game ran on so my patience ran out and 2 players (the Australian Captain for a deliberate body check and the stick in the body retaliation from the Malaysian forward meant 2 more Yellow Cards). 3 Yellow Cards in 2 games – I’ll be getting a reputation!

Tommo and his colleague Brian Moore (Scotland) had the big game of the day on the main pitch, under floodlights, between Australia v Hong Kong Over 40’s. With about 200 people in the stand, including a group of vocal local supporters, there was a great atmosphere for a fast paced, tough and challenging game. There was no lack of commitment from either side in a physical game but the players managed to keep on the right side of the umpires. Half time saw another 1-0 score but in the second half, and not for the first time, the better team started to dominate and Australia ran out 4-0 winners, but it would have been more had it not been for a great performance from the Hong Kong goalkeeper.

"The umpires were told it was central timing!"

With the temperature in the mid to high 20’s, the constant rotation of substitutes and the application of iced towels has been a constant feature of this tournament. Each team is provided with a crate of water and iced buckets per game.

The day ended disappointedly with Liverpool v Man Utd at 10 p.m. HK time in the Sportsman Bar at HKFC; a poor Utd performance led to a 2-0 loss.

Interesting Facts 3:
There are always certain rules at events like this called ‘Tournament Rules’ For the IMHT 2009 these rules are:

> Demerit Points: 2 points for a Green Card, 5 points for a Yellow Card and 10 points for a Red Card; 10 points means results in a 1 or more match suspension.
> If a Red Card issued a written report has to be with the Tournament Organiser (TO) within one hour of the end of the match.
> If the temperature reaches 30C then there is discretion to play 4 x 17 minute quarters with 4 minute breaks instead of 2 x 35 minutes with 5-10 minute break.
> Protests: Written grounds from the Team Manager to TO within 15 minutes of completion of the match with a deposit of HK$ 6000 (about £500), which may be forfeit unless protest is allowed.
> Teams: Minimum of 8 players to start or continue otherwise a 5-0 result to the opposing team or the actual score at the time the match discontinued, whichever is the most advantageous.

IMHT 2009 – Day 1

2009-10-25T16:54:00.009Z

The sun shone, boy it shone, the temperature was just under 30C and the tournament started at 2.30 p.m. HK (7.30 a.m. UK) with Australia v New Zealand (Over 50) on the pitch at HKFC, umpired by Ernest Li (Hong Kong) and myself. This pitch has just been re-laid and reopened 2 weeks ago, and as you would expect, it is a top quality surface. The Over 50’s Masters is being played on a round robin basis, with the other teams in this particular competition being England, Malaysia, Scotland and Singapore. 15 games over 7 days with 5th/6th, 3rd/4th and 1st/2nd play-offs on the final day, Saturday 31st October.

"Paddy hides behind his arm as the Aussie and Kiwi decide to have a 'friendly chat' about that tackle"

Australia edged the first half and went in with a 1-0 lead after I’d played a great advantage (the Umpire Managers words not mine, but who am I to disagree). In the second half the heat began to tell and Australia began to dominate going to 4-0 before New Zealand scored a late goal to make the final score 4-1. It was an honour to umpire the opening game and award the first goal of the tournament. I also gave a yellow card to Australia for a bad stick tackle late on in the game after green cards had already been issued; it’s OK Andrew Harvey, it doesn’t count towards the Devon total for the season!

"The 'friendly chat' over New Zealand decide to try and score a consolation goal"

The next game on the HKFC pitch was Australia v Hong Kong (Over 45), umpired by Tommo and Trent Leask (Australia). The Over 45’s is being played on a round robin basis with the other teams in this particular competition being England and Austria. 6 games over 5 days, with semi finals (1st v 4th & 2nd v 3rd) on the penultimate day followed by a Winners game between the semi-final opponents and a Losers match on the final day. Whilst Australia were the better team they could only score one goal in the first half as they struggled to dominate and adjust to the heat. However, in the second half, defending Tommo’s end they gained the upper hand and ran out winners 5-0.

"Tommo, resplendent in knee brace watches as Hong Kong try and clear their lines"

Interesting Facts 2:
The International Masters Hockey Tournament 2009, officially the FIH World Cup for Veterans Hockey (or Masters as they are now known), is being hosted by the Hong Kong Hockey Association (HKHA) at the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC). See http://www.hkfc.com.hk/ for more details.

HKFC was formed in 1886 as a club for playing Association and Rugby Football. Although these continue to thrive today as core sports of the Club, HKFC is about much more than football. As one of the finest sporting clubs in Asia, HKFC boasts superb facilities across a broad spectrum of competitive and recreational sports, such as Hockey, Bowls, Squash, Golf, Tennis and Netball. One of the largest and most successful clubs in local sports competition, the Club also hosts top international sports events and touring sides.And, as one of the foremost private members' clubs in Hong Kong, HKFC provides leisure, entertainment and a wide variety of Food and Beverage services. HKFC has almost three thousand full Members, but the Club is used by some 7,500 people including Members, their partners and their children.HKFC moved, in 1995, into their brand new, 64,000 square metre, purpose-built home, within the spectacular setting of the famous horse racing track in Happy Valley, club facilities for sport, leisure and recreation, are unrivalled.

For details on the hockey section of the HKFC see http://www.hkfchockey.com/mavista/cms/en/home

International Masters Hockey Tournament 2009 (Hong Kong)

2009-10-23T17:51:00.010+01:00

23 October 2009:

“Honky Fid”, “Honkers”, “Fragrant Harbour”, just some of the names that Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (and former British Colony; 1842-1997), is known by. The first 2 are HM Forces terms, the last is the Cantonese version. For more details see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong

Both Alan Thomson (Tommo) and myself, Alan Porter (Paddy), are in this amazing place, of such wonderful contrasts, to umpire at the now bi-annual Masters Hockey Tournament. It comprises Masters Teams of Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55, in their own individual tournaments.

At the time of writing HK is 7 hours ahead of UK time, and soon to be 8 hours this forthcoming weekend, so don’t forget to put your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday at 2.00 a.m. Apart from the time difference the temperature is also different. It’s 28C here (somewhat less than in the UK I understand) and dry. No-one said it was easy out here and I’m sure you understand the problems that umpiring in such heat can cause . . . . In fact it can get so cold in the evening in HK you have to leave the air conditioned rooms indoor and get out in the balmy evening air to warm up in your shorts and T Shirt, even at 11.00 p.m. HK time! Anyway I digress . . . .

"It might have been 28C . . . but boy, when it rained . . . it rained!!!"

The Tournament starts on Saturday 24 October at 2.30 p.m. (HK Time; 7.30 a.m. UK) with the inaugural game, Australia v New Zealand (Over 50). I am umpiring this with a Hong Kong umpire, Ernest Li. Tommo is then umpiring the game after at 4.30 p.m., Australia v Hong Kong (Over 45), with Jamie Aiken (Ireland). A full update will follow after the Saturday games (subject to heat stroke, exhaustion, etc.). As a special dispensation the umpires are being allowed to umpire in black shorts!

Of course it is very important in a Tournament like this that teams wear the correct colours, so in the Tournament Briefing the teams were informed that the goalkeepers must wear different coloured tops from their team and the opposition. In the event of a colour clash the second named team has to change. When it was mentioned that the umpires were being allowed to wear shorts, a team representative asked, “Can I take it that the umpires will be wearing the same coloured socks?” Of course I cannot possibly tell you which particular team representative asked that questioned but I can tell you it was an Aussie!

The International Masters Hockey Tournament runs from 24 to 31 October so I will bring you regular updates. If you have any questions, comments, etc. please make them on the blog and I will endeavour to answer them, even if I am sweltering in the heat of HK! Bye for now . . . .

"Tommo wondered if he could get away with nicking a carp from the Hong Kong Park Fishpond, without the security guard noticing - lovely with chips!"

Interesting Facts 1:
The Hong Kong Hockey Association (HKHA) was founded in 1933. In the 1953-54 season, there were 9 teams in the Men's 1st Division, 11 in the Men's 2nd Division and 10 in the Ladies' league. The teams in the First Division were: Army A, Army B, Recreio A, Thunderbolts A, Dutch H.C., Royal Navy, Argonauts, YMCA, RAF. In the 1950s, the game was dominated by the armed forces, notably Army A. The power shifted to Recreio A in the 1960s, and Nav Bharat A in the 1970s. Shaheen became the dominant force from the late 1980s. In the 2008-2009 season, there were a total of 65 men's teams in six divisions and 43 women's teams in five divisions. See http://www.hockey.org.hk/hkha/eng/hkhockey/index.html

The Keith Dingle Newsletter

2009-10-11T21:26:00.003+01:00

No. 1 (2009/2010)

By popular request and threats of violence from the President the touchline scribbler is in production yet again to try and keep everybody in touch with those little bits of news that may otherwise pass them by.

The introduction of the new rules, particularly the self pass, has dominated both the close season and first couple of league weekends.

Umpires at all levels are finding both the speed of play and time the ball is in play during the game is placing demands upon their fitness as never before. The better teams have responded by getting even fitter, some younger players reportedly replacing shin guards with re-entry shields and the more mature player checking there is a defibrillator in the kit bag along with the more customary hip flask.

The National Over 40’s Divisional Tournament at Exeter University in May 2009 resulted in not only some very strange Welsh caps being won, by those of decidedly unproven ancestry, but also a masterly display of player control by Julia Gill.

Despite sounding like Kermit the Frog, because of a sore throat, Julia demonstrated how a tiresome seven foot tall goalkeeper can be brought to heel with a few well chosen words of advice. Staring the miscreant straight in the navel the effect on seasoned internationals who were heading towards the action to join in suddenly deciding a discrete retreat was advisable was most impressive. Even more impressive was the sight of several umpires lounging over the rail behind the goal suddenly standing up right (some for the first time for many years), taking their hands out of their pockets and checking their school ties were done up correctly was something that should have been recorded for posterity.

The summer leagues in both Plymouth and Exeter have provided many enjoyable matches for players and umpires. Players in particular have been pretty understanding that these games are also used for umpires to learn and that umpires sometimes make mistakes, so credit where credit is due to the players for their forbearance.

Martin, if your dog is going to make an appearance on the pitch, even if it is only a mixed match, it is customary for substitutions to be made from the half way line and not at 30mph from behind the goal.

When did a rule change last have more implications than the self pass on player’s actions over the whole pitch? Answer to be provided in the next Newsletter and yours can be posted on the DHUA Bloggie thing if the President can organise such technological wonders.

KD

Note: All comments on the Newsletter welcome.

Caption Competition

2009-09-18T08:45:00.002+01:00

Two umpires, resting on a park bench, enjoying the summer break . . . but what do you think they were saying to each other?

Post your caption now!

Devon Young Umpires Shine

2009-07-06T18:28:00.002+01:00

Five Young Umpires, Sophie Whiteley, Nick Luxton, Chris Mills, James Pirie and Adam Wheeler where appointed by the Devon Young Umpire Action Group (DYUAG) to attend the Devon Games to Inspire (previously the Devon Youth Games) on Sunday 5 July in Barnstaple. It gave the DHUA President (Paddy Porter) and myself great pleasure to see these young people umpire so well and develop throughout the tournament; it gives us great hope for the future of umpiring in Devon. Well done to all of them.

We have been asked by the West to supply young umpires to the Junior Regional Performance Centres (JRPC) tournament for U18, U17, U16 & U15 on 13th & 27th September to be held at Millfield and also for coaching sessions to be held on 5/6 September in Exeter.

So there is plenty going on – come on all young umpires out there keep yourselves available. If you wish to be considered for selection please enter your availability on the website.

Julia P Gill
DYUAG Coordinator

If you have any comments on this story then make them here please.

Can you spot the mistake . . . . . or is it a new FIH experimental rule?

2009-03-31T09:04:00.002+01:00

East Grinstead beat Surbiton 5-3 in their final match of the season to clinch the English League title, By Patrick Rowley, Daily Telepgraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/hockey/5072649/East-Grinstead-clinch-historic-first-English-League-title-with-tense-win-at-Surbiton.html)

Not only did the Sussex club become champions for the first time but they also became the first men's club to complete an indoor and outdoor double.

Surbiton did come close to denying them. The Surrey club led 3-2 and, with James Tindall in lethal shooting form for the hosts, they came very close to going further ahead.

But Grinstead picked out the weaknesses in Surbiton's play and found the openings to confirm themselves as the league's highest scorers and secure the title in the process.

The excellent Martin Haner set them on their way with an early roofed corner flick. Matt Daly levelled for Surbiton but Danny Hall regained the lead for Grinstead early in the second half. Tindall then made it 2-2, snatching a goal out of nothing.

Two minutes later, George Harris fouled Daly outside the circle to receive a temporary suspension and concede a stroke.

Ben Hawes converted against Richard Potton but the deputy goalkeeper then proceeded to keep Grinstead in the game until Harris could return.

Dominick Male scored the decisive two goals for Grinstead, with Haner later adding his second.
As it transpired, Grinstead would still have been champions if they had lost. Beeston were beaten 3-1 at Hampstead and conceded second place to Reading, who thrashed Cannock 5-0. Reading's win ensured they join Grinstead and Beeston in Europe next winter.
Bowdon Ladies, already indoor and outdoor champions, failed at the last hurdle to collect maximum points in the Women's Premier League. Playing nervously, they lost 3-1 at Canterbury after Tina Cullen had given them the lead.

Olton denied Canterbury a place in the European Cup-Winners' Cup, by finishing second, a point above the Kent club, with a 3-2 win at Poynton.

The 'self-pass'

2009-01-09T10:48:00.006Z

At meetings towards the end of 2008, the FIH Executive Board agreed proposals from the Hockey Rules Board for rules changes in 2009.

One of the changes focuses on a “self-pass” from a free hit. In essence, this enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball again after taking the free hit. This will encourage free-flowing hockey. An associated rule change will stop attacking free hits taken inside the 23 metres area from being played directly and potentially dangerously into the circle. Both changes will be introduced as mandatory experimental rules with effect from 1 May 2009 for international hockey.

The detailed text for these rules is currently being drafted and will be published as soon as possible. To ensure that application of these new rules is consistent and accurate, no more information about these rules will be published until the final rules text is available.

So, what do you think about the self-pass? Make your comments here and vote.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-22T11:31:00.001Z

Devon Hockey 'Special Availability’ Days

2008-11-19T10:32:00.002Z

Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring – “Together we can do it”

Devon Hockey Association (DHA) and Devon Hockey Umpires Association (DHUA) have agreed to trial two ‘Special Availability’ days in 2008. The aim is to encourage all Devon Umpires, whether Level 1 Qualified or Level 1 Candidates, to make themselves available for appointment and mentoring by DHUA.

The dates chosen for the ‘Special Availability’ trial are Saturday 22 November and Saturday 13 December 2008.

All Umpires, who do not normally umpire under appointment from DHUA, will be encouraged to make themselves available to umpire at least one game on each of these days. Of course many of these umpires will be players or normally only umpire for their clubs. Those who enter their availability will be able to let the DHUA Appointment Secretary know, using the ‘Special Considerations/Notes’ field next to this date, of any information relevant to their availability. For example, if they are playing at a venue in Exeter at 1.00 p.m., or are only available to umpire before a certain time, or after a certain game. Of course DHA and DHUA appreciate that some umpires who play may be playing outside Devon on these Special Availability days and will not be available. DHUA would also like to try and offer mentoring to umpires who request it (let DHUA know by making a note in the ‘Special Considerations/Notes’ field) on these dates.

DHA and DHUA want to try and appoint to as many games as possible within Devon on these dates, for both Men and Women. Due to the West Women’s League Rules a club has the right to appoint their own umpire ahead of DHUA. However, DHA and DHUA hope that on these dates all Devon Women’s Clubs allow DHUA to appoint to these fixtures. If a women’s team from outside Devon insist in bringing their own umpire then it may not be possible to appoint to that game so any umpire appointed may have to be appointed elsewhere. Where possible DHUA would try to ‘pair up’ less experienced umpires with more experienced ones.

On 22 November in Devon there are 32 Men’s Fixtures and 20 Women’s Fixtures, excluding West Premier Divisions 1 and 2 (Men and Women), meaning a requirement for 104 umpires. On 13 December there are 35 Men’s Fixtures but no Women’s Fixtures, meaning a requirement for 70 umpires. Currently Devon has 89 Level 1 Candidates and 202 Level 1 Qualified umpires, a total of 291. Theoretically, therefore, it should be possible to appoint all the games on the designated Special Availability dates, allowing for player/umpire availability.

Obviously the more umpires and clubs who join in this new initiative then the more chance it will have to work that in turn will bring Devon nearer to appointing umpires to all games, thereby taking the hassle and frustration away from clubs. Devon has achieved a lot over the last few years in terms of RDU. DHA and DHUA both support this new initiative and they hope that everyone else in Devon gives it a go also.

To enter your availability, umpires need to go to your Personal Area and using the Change Availability button enter your availability and any ‘Special Considerations/Notes’. If you want to take part and are not set up to enter availability then please email president@devonumpires.co.uk and you will be set up to enter availability. For example for 22 November the following will appear under the date: “Devon has chosen 22 Nov as a ‘Special Availability’ day. All Umpires need to enter Availability for appointment by DHUA. Use the ‘Special Considerations/Notes’ column to enter relevant information (e.g. time playing, venue, reasons if unavailable, etc).”

Remember DHUA cannot appoint unless you enter availability so if you wish to dip your toe in the appointing water then please do so safe in the knowledge that you will not be appointed unless you agree to it. Finally any umpire appointed will be able to claim 20p per mile travelling expenses.

If you have any comments on this initiative then please make them here.

Advance Payment of DCHUA Subscriptions

2008-05-09T10:49:00.002+01:00

DCHUA continues to add improvements to the Devon Hockey Website as a result of feedback and in order to provide a better service to umpires. From the end of the 2008/9 season (effective 1 February 2009), members claiming expenses for games umpired will be able to pre-pay their subscription for the next season (2009/2010) in advance from their claimed expenses.

If a person claims appointment expenses after the end of February, and within 160 days of the start of the next financial year (which is 1st May), the system will prompt the member to pay their subscriptions for the following year by adding a line to their claim, defaulting to the amount of subscriptions due for the following year. The person can change the amount down to zero if they wish.

For example (based on current rates as of 30 Apr 2008), U M Pire has umpired 7 games for DCHUA during the 2008/9 season. They have travelled a total of 250 miles. Therefore the total claim for the 2008/9 season is £45 (250 x 18p per mile).

When they claim this amount at the end of the 2008/9 season they pay £10 for their 2008/9 subs (assuming they have not already paid it) and decide to prepay the 2009/2010 subs at the same time (another £10). Therefore the DCHUA Treasurer will pay their claim of £25 (£45 - £10 - £10), assuming the claimant is not donating any part of their claim to ‘DCHUA’, ‘DCHUA Coaching Fund’, ‘MacIlldowie Fund’ or ‘Back to Clubs’.

This will help reduce the administrative workload on the DCHUA Treasurer and Webmaster and prevent any umpires being removed from the system that have forgotten to pay their membership or registration fees.

I hope that this enhancement to the Devon Hockey Website will be of benefit to all those who umpire for DCHUA.

Comments welcome.

Paddy
President DCHUA

New ONLINE Umpire Reports

2008-05-01T17:36:00.002+01:00

DCHUA continues to look at new ways in which it can assist umpires. Traditional reporting, after a mentoring or coaching session, involved the mentor/coach preparing a report and then sending this to the umpire by post or email.

We’ll no longer. It can now all be done online via the new reporting module added to the Devon Hockey Website. Umpires will be able to access all their umpire reports in one place and not have to worry about keeping bits of paper, etc. Mentors/Coaches can also prepare the report online and with the press of a button it wings its way, as if by magic, to the umpire’s web area.

Any feedback welcome.

Paddy

DCHUA Blog featured on BBC Radio Devon

2008-03-27T14:41:00.002Z

Paddy Porter, President DCHUA, was interviewed on The Lunchtime Phone-In (12 noon until 2 pm) by Michael Chequer in their Blog feature. Paddy appeared about 1.10pm, give or take a few minutes. To listen just click on this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/devon/aod.shtml?devon/lunchtime_phonein_devon_thu

Treece Rosebowl

2007-10-22T13:42:00.000+01:00

Joan Treece and her sons Mark and Francis donated the Treece Rosebowl to be awarded to a person or persons who had given great service to Devon Hockey Association (DHA). It is presented annually at the DHA AGM and in May 2007 was presented to Paddy Porter (President DCHUA) for the Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) campaign.

Paddy said, “RDU was started to address the falling umpire numbers within Devon when I took over as President in 2005. I was very lucky to have the loyal and unstinting support of my committee when we started to address the issue head on. I was also encouraged by the support of most clubs and umpires. I think it is fair to say that umpiring in Devon is on the up and we are the envy of many other umpire associations who are struggling to fulfil their traditional umpire appointments. The West has now adopted our Zero Tolerance approach to Umpire Abuse, we are also offering mentoring to more umpires than ever before and we are appointing to games in lower leagues now. This Cup is for you all.

However, there is still a long way to go but we are continuing to make steady progress. Mentoring of Level One Candidates and Umpire Courses are the main thrust for RDU 3 in 2007/8. It is still the aim of DCHUA to appoint to all league games within Devon over the next few years. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of Devon Umpiring since RDU started and for your continued support. Together we can do it.”

The Roswbowl was presented to Paddy (right of picture) by Sam Tallowin on behalf of DHA.

If you have any comments to make about RDU, what has worked, what hasn't and any ideas for the future then please feel free to make them here.

Ladies Hockey and Umpiring

2007-08-19T13:11:00.000+01:00

On open letter to all those involved in the West Women’s Hockey League. Please read it, make any comments you want, and take our poll. Here goes . . . .

From Jamie (President DHA) & Paddy (President (DCHUA)

“I am writing to gain some information from the West Women’s League on the current position regarding rules relating to umpire appointments. As you will know Devon County Hockey Umpires’ Association (DCHUA) is working extremely hard to develop the pool and standard of umpires in the county. This approach has the full support of Devon Hockey Association (DHA) with whom a strong partnership continues to be developed to support the development of the game at all levels.

Currently the differences between the men’s and womens’ leagues with regards to rules relating to the appointment of umpires is causing some serious problems, which will get worse in the coming years. I know that the concerns of DCHUA have been raised on a number of occasions but they have not received any response on the situation as promised regarding their paper ‘UMPIRING – A JOINT APPROACH’.

Here are the concerns from DCHUA and DHA - which will have a major impact on the Women’s game in the county and region in the coming seasons if the current position remains.
As DCHUA moves forward with their ‘Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring’ Campaign, now in its 3rd year, all the umpires the ladies teams used to call on will be used within the men’s games (as DCHUA offer these umpires mentoring and support). Therefore DCHUA will start to appoint to lower men’s leagues and hopefully in a few years time all the men’s games will have DCHUA appointed umpires. The consequence of this is that the ladies teams will struggle even more than they struggle now to get umpires. The West can’t even appoint to Ladies Premier 1 & 2 at the minute as they are extremely short; they have to ask DCHUA to help out!!! So the ladies teams in Devon will struggle wither and die. If there are no qualified umpires available of a suitable standard it will cause major problems for the league, and clubs will get fined under the current rules! This cycle of events will cause major problems for the development of the game in the region.

There is no way DCHUA can appoint umpires to ladies games when at the last minute they can be overridden; it’s not as if DCHUA (or other County HUAs) have lots of spare umpires lying round twiddling their thumbs!!! And another problem is that some ladies clubs don’t actually have any umpires associated with them. And after DCHUA culls all the inactive umpires on 1st September the situation will get worse. The ladies clubs also need to start getting club umpires qualified. Apart from the student sides there are very few ladies doing Level One umpire courses.

DCHUA & DHA REALLY WANT to support ladies clubs in Devon with the appointment and development of umpiring.

Please can you update me on the current position relating to the issues raised above in order for DHA and DCHUA to support its member clubs and umpires?”

A point that is often made on this issue was made in a reply from an interested party . . . .

“I'm confused by this email as there is nothing in the Women's League rules about appointed umpires.”

> Start – Ladies Umpire Rules
8.a.i) that umpires for all matches in the Premier and Area Divisions and Divisions 1 of each Regional League shall be currently listed on either the EH Level One Register of Umpires or on a higher EH Umpiring Register.
ii) Umpires for matches in Division 2 and below of each Regional League shall preferably hold a qualification as in i), and if not, shall be a probationer (Level One Candidate) umpire who has passed the written umpiring exam........
b) Umpires for matches in the Premier Divisions shall be appointed by the WHA sub committee where possible. ALL other teams shall be responsible for arranging for an umpire of the correct standard...
> End – Ladies Umpire Rules

“There is nothing in the League Rules that states that Counties cannot appoint umpires (as they do in Cornwall)...the problem is more that the Devon Women's Clubs are not 'buying in' to the appointment of umpires and therefore the question should be addressed to Women's Clubs and not the League.”

A reply from Paddy (President DCHUA) . . . .

“Perhaps I can clarify the points I am trying, and have been trying for over 2 years, to make.

The point often made (and it is valid and correct), “There is nothing in the League Rules that states that Counties cannot appoint umpires” is actually the problem. What I am saying is that “There SHOULD be something in the League Rules that states that Counties CAN (if they wish) appoint umpires in priority to clubs”.

League:
Men & Ladies; Premier 1 & 2; West HUA
Men; Below Premier 1 & 2; County HUA then Clubs
Ladies; Below Premier 1 & 2; Clubs

“Now where is the County HUA mentioned in the Ladies League Umpire rules? Well, er, nowhere!!!

> Start – Mens Umpire Rules
8.1 Qualified umpires
a) No League match shall be played without two qualified umpires, save as provided in Rule 8.1(b).
b) Umpires must be members of an appropriate Regional Umpires' Association and be qualified to at least Level 1, however, in the District Divisions, one umpire is allowed to be in the process of obtaining his/her Level 1 qualification.
8.2 Appointed umpires
a) An “appointed” umpire is an umpire appointed to a League match by the WHUC, the SWHUA or a County HUA who may require a qualification above Level 1.
b) It is the responsibility of clubs to request appointments of the appropriate body, notify appointed umpires of the match arrangements under Rule 5.1(b) and make payment of any fees for appointed umpires.
8.3 Where not both umpires are appointed, the following shall apply:
a) 1 appointed umpire: Home club provides the other qualified umpire.
b) No appointed umpire: Home club provides two qualified umpires unless, at least 7 days’ prior to the match, agreement has been reached with the away side that they will provide one or both qualified umpires. The away club may also elect to provide one qualified umpire provided it gives the Home side at least 3 days notice
8.4 If an appointed or club umpire fails to arrive by the start time or a club umpire is not provided under Rule 8.3 the following shall apply:
a) Appointed umpire is absent: Start may be delayed by 15 minutes; if still absent, a “temporary” umpire qualified to at least Level 1 may take his place with the agreement of the other umpire and the two captains. If no such agreement is possible or no suitably qualified person available, the match shall not count as a League match. If a “temporary” umpire is a player from one of the teams, which thereby reduces the number of players available to it on the pitch, the other team shall withdraw one of its own players from the pitch, otherwise the player shall withdraw from the squad. Both the “temporary” umpire and withdrawn player may resume playing at the same time as soon as the absent umpire arrives and takes over from the “temporary” umpire.
b) Club umpire is absent: The absent umpire’s club’s team shall withdraw a player who is qualified within Rule 8.1 to act as “temporary” umpire. The opposing team shall not have to withdraw a player. The “temporary” umpire may resume playing as soon as the absent umpire arrives and takes over from him.
c) A “temporary” umpire must not be part of rolling substitutions with players and must not be replaced at half-time by a player who has participated in the first half of the game.
8.5 Penalties for breach of Rule 8
a) The lack of an appointed, or club, umpire is not grounds for postponement. Clubs are expected to have sufficient umpires to support their teams. If appointed umpires are withdrawn at short notice, then the Area Secretary MUST be consulted immediately if this causes a problem.
b) If a match is not played for lack of an appointed or club umpire and either club is found to be at fault, the Area Secretary may, inter alia, impose a fine, award the match, deduct points or order the match replayed under such conditions as he/she may deem appropriate.
c) If a match is played with a “temporary” umpire and either club is found at fault for the absence of an appointed or club umpire, the Area Secretary may impose a fine on the offending club.
> End – Mens Umpire Rules

So the ladies’ clubs can, if they want, ask the County HUA to appoint. So Plymouth Ladies’ 3rds are playing at home to Bristol Ladies’ 3rds. So who appoints? The club but Plymouth asks DCHUA for 2 umpires. DCHUA appoint, with a mentor in support, for the game in 2 weeks’ time. Everyone is set. The night before the game Bristol turns round and says, “Oh, by the way we’re bringing one of our own umpires down as per the league rules.” DCHUA has to remove an umpire at the last minute (as the league rules do not give us authority to override the club’s appointment). It is then too late to reappoint them elsewhere – what a waste of a valuable umpiring resource (but then we have loads of spare umpires just lying around anyway)! So Bristol comes down with their ‘pet’ umpire. They may be brilliant (if so why aren’t they umpiring up in Bristol where they could do 2 games perhaps), or they may be atrocious (claims of bias are levelled, tempers flare, etc.). So who wins out of this? Plymouth (unlikely), Bristol (probably), DCHUA (definitely not), hockey (unlikely). The reverse is equally true, just in case Bristol think I have it in for them!

I could go on but why bother? Hockey has common rules so why can’t the leagues have common rules (especially in relation to umpires)?

Devon Ladies’ clubs had better get their act together otherwise there won’t be any ladies’ league hockey in Devon. The Ladies League needs to gets their act together also. Take a look at the DCHUA website and observe how many Men are umpiring for the Ladies (in percentage terms quite a few). How many Ladies in the Men’s (hardly any). The following are the facts (of course some umpires are on both Men’s and Ladies panels so the figures should be read in that context):”

Panel:
West (Men’s Panel); 3 Men; 1 Lady
West (Ladies Panel); 4 Men; 2 Ladies
Total; 7 Men; 3 Ladies
“So, we have more Men umpiring Ladies hockey than Women!!! So to paraphrase Bonny Tyler’s hit song ‘Holding out for a Hero’, ‘Where have all the good women gone?’”

Panel:
DCHUA Neutral Pool (Men’s Panel); 43 Men; 0 Ladies
DCHUA Neutral Pool (Ladies Panel); 20 Men; 3 Ladies
Total; 63 Men; 3 Ladies
“On dear, not many ladies umpiring in the Neutral Pool so no-one to go up into the West! Now we can see why the West Ladies appointments are in ‘a spot of bother’!!! Poor Peter Lovell (don’t know if he has any hair but I imagine it’s all on the floor by now)!”

Panel:
Level One Candidates; 25 Men; 27 Ladies
Active Qualified Club; 89 Men; 53 Ladies
Total; 114 Men; 80 Ladies
“Some good news at last! There are more ladies than men in a category. But actually the good news isn’t quite that for the ladies. Most of these are students from the University of Plymouth & Exeter. They are here for 3 years and then they go away again. Strip out the students and, oh dear, the women are struggling once more. The ‘strip’ wasn’t a pun by the way.”

Overall Numbers:
180 Men; 86 Ladies
“As previously stated there is some cross over in terms of numbers but I think we can see a pattern?"

"So, is the West able to appoint to Premier 1 & 2 games as per the league rules? For the men mostly. On the women’s side they are really struggling. DCHUA were asked on several occasions to help out the men and the ladies last season and we did (we helped the ladies 5 times and the men once I believe). So the ladies clubs (and the league I imagine) are happy for DCHUA to help out when the West can’t provide umpires but they don’t want to be bothered at the lower levels. What if DCHUA turned round and told the West to get stuffed? Or we said yes and charged £20 per umpire instead of £7.50 (our rate for 2007/2008). Maybe then we would see some action in relation to the league rules. Is that what DCHUA has to do? I hope not.

And so to the lady club umpire (let’s call her Pippa), umpiring her club team week in, week out. Pippa isn’t getting any mentoring or support. Pippa is stagnating away. There is no-one to push Pippa up into the West (if that what Pippa wants). No one to help Pippa improve her umpiring skills and confidence (even if all she wants to do is umpire for her club). Pippa lets her friend Rachael get away with those occasional bad stickles tackles every now and again because they are best mates and go clubbing every Saturday night. Pippa won’t even dare give a decision against Rose who has a bit of a lip on her (Rose scares Pippa who only wants an easy life). Rose knows that she can influence/bully Pippa with a few choice words, influencing Pippa’s umpiring decisions and even getting Pippa to reverse a few decisions every now and again (especially the ones that lead to goals for the opposition). And to cap it all the clubs don’t even seem to be putting players through the Level One Umpire Courses (well apart for the Universities). Did you know that one Devon Ladies Hockey Club doesn’t have ANY qualified affiliated umpires? They do, however, have two Level One Candidates who did the Level One Umpire Course in May 2005 and still haven’t qualified in the 2 years since! On 1st September these so called ‘umpires’ will be removed from their association with this Devon Ladies Club and then they won’t have anyone at all. Will they be asking DCHUA for umpires?”

It’s an old NLP adage but “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

“So what has Devon Ladies Hockey ‘got’ and what is the future? I want to solve the problem by working with all interested parties. DHA and DCHUA are both committed to supporting the ladies teams in Devon. In 2007/2008 our Umpire Course Co-ordinator will be working on new umpire courses and our Chief Coach on mentoring. In particular we want to target the ladies and young umpires (if they’re interested).

It would be nice if those involved in the ladies game (inside and outside Devon) could get off the fence, think about the good of hockey and help DHA and DCHUA in a similar way. However if no-one in the ladies side can see past the end of their own nose, then they won’t be able to see the brick wall that, I believe, ladies’ hockey is hurtling towards at breakneck speed (it’s a BIG wall and boy is it going to hurt bad when you all hit it).

So why don’t we all meet up for a drink and toast the demise of ladies hockey in Devon. We could dig a hole and bury all those who can’t be bothered to do anything concrete, including some of the ladies clubs in Devon. Finally we could put a headstone on the grave with the inscription, ‘Here lies Devon Ladies Hockey. Killed by self-interest, apathy and a lack of vision (and a BIG wall)!”’

There, I feel better now!”

I welcome any comments you want to make. Take our poll.

Plymouth Mixed Summer League – Success or Failure?

2007-08-14T15:14:00.000+01:00

The PMSL is now over and is slowly slipping into the annals of history. Thanks Tina for all your efforts, but what about the experiment of DCHUA appointing umpires for the first time.

Yes there was 1 Red (persistent dissent - see Blog on 'Umpire Abuse') and 21 Yellow cards out of over 110 games. But 5 Level One Candidates qualified so congratulations to them. Also a massive amount of umpire mentoring went on with existing Level One ‘Club’ Umpires and other Level One Candidate umpires.

So was it a success or a failure? I want to hear from you. If you played for a team or umpired or just have an opinion then Blog your feelings and let me know what you REALLY think.

Paddy

Umpire Abuse

2007-08-12T15:08:00.000+01:00

DCHUA introduced a zero tolerance approach to ‘Umpire Abuse’ when I became President in May 2005. At first the levels of abuse dropped (as the yellow card count increased) but there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that it is slowly returning. But is ‘umpire abuse’ just part of the game? Would it be tolerated in the work place? Is it legitimate or inexcusable? Should it be tolerated or stamped on? Opinions please? In this instance anonymous posts will not be allowed (Ed; should that not be ‘tolerated’). If you’ve something to say then at least have the courage to put your name to it and your position in the game (e.g. player, umpire, spectator, etc.).

Paddy

Inactive Umpire Update

2007-08-12T14:25:00.000+01:00

Inactive umpires are starting to be removed from the public areas of the association website. If inactive, for what ever reason (e.g. retired from umpiring, moved away from Devon, haven’t done the required games with a valid reason, etc.) then the umpires name is no longer listed on any of the public pages. Once an ‘inactive’ umpire has been ‘reactivated’ then their name will be listed once more. On being made inactive any association with a club is also removed meaning the club involved has one less associated umpire.

To date 22 umpires have been removed from the website.

This is likely to RISE SUBSTANTIALLY on 1st September, our deadline day for all remaining inactive umpires and umpires who have failed to be assessed for Level One within 12 months of passing their examination (currently about 30/40 overall).

Remember, leagues rules state that BOTH umpires for league games must be qualified (certain exemptions apply for a few lower leagues where 1 qualified and 1 awaiting assessment umpire is allowed).

I know that this year we will see an even tougher attitude from the leagues, possibly leading to bigger fines and point deductions in extreme cases.

If you want to comment then please do so here . . .

Paddy

New Joint Devon Website

2007-08-10T11:40:00.000+01:00

DCHUA has found the interactive website, designed by David ‘Tex’ Lane of Tex Solutions (http://www.texsolutions.ltd.uk/), to be absolutely invaluable in the efficient running and administration of the umpire association. The website has been up and running for a year now and it a vital part of the ‘Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring' (RDU) campaign.

Now Devon Hockey Association (DHA) has also invested in a Tex Solutions website and for 2007/8 both DCHUA and DHA will be totally integrated on the web. This is in the process of being implemented and tested now and will be fully operational within the next few weeks. This will have massive benefits to the administration of both associations but will also help clubs and umpires manage their information better.

The whole aim of the joint Devon Hockey Website is to allow the clubs and umpires to take responsibility for their own information, keeping it up to date as their circumstances change. This allows one central information store instead of there being lots of different and conflicting sources of information. Information updated on the new joint website will be reflected across both associations.

Clubs can link into the information on the Devon website and reduce duplication on their own websites. Why reinvent the egg! The moment information is entered on the Devon Hockey website it is instantly updated.

The joint website is just another piece in the new Devon Hockey jigsaw that will see Devon Hockey move forward over the next few years.

Paddy

The New Season Approaches

2007-08-07T07:12:00.000+01:00

DCHUA has its committee meeting next Monday and we are getting ready for the 2007/8 season. The aim this forthcoming season is to concentrate on providing club umpires with mentoring support to improve their skills and hence provide higher standards of umpiring in Devon (and beyond).

To date DCHUA has identified 21 ‘Inactive’ umpires, with a further 65 level One Candidates undergoing training.

A deadline of 1st September 2007 was set some time ago (extended from 30th April 2007) for inactive umpires to get qualified. Several have used the summer leagues to do. Some candidate umpires have also used these leagues to get qualified.

However, on 1st September the number of inactive umpires is going to jump dramatically. In future years on 30th April all Level One Umpires who have failed to umpire the required number of games and record them with DCHUA, as required by England Hockey, will be automatically marked as INACTIVE.

It is the responsibility of the Level One Umpire to prove their activity and notify DCHUA and not the duty of DCHUA to chase umpires who have failed to maintain their active status.

I hope you all have a good season.

Paddy

Games Not Recorded = Inactive = Removal of Active Level One Status

Caption Competition 2

2007-06-25T18:50:00.001+01:00

If you can take the ‘mickey’ out of someone else you should be able to take some in return. So here goes, after all us Irish are known for our sense of humour – right?

This is me (on the left) with Alan ‘Tommo’ Thomson (on the right, obviously) at the International Veterans Tournament held at Swansea on 23/24 June. So what’s your caption?

Removal of Inactive Level One Umpires

2007-06-13T14:11:00.000+01:00

DCHUA unilaterally decided to give umpires who failed to fulfil the required number of games for 2006/2007 until 1 September 2007 to complete their required games to maintain their active status. Those umpires who are inactive were contacted by email several weeks ago concerning this. Some umpires have since updated their umpiring history.

Just to remind you that England Hockey states that the ”Level 1 Award is the passport to umpiring competitive hockey in England and is aimed at those who wish to take their umpiring seriously and officiate in local leagues and club games/events. The Award involves four hours of classroom tuition, three unsupervised practice games, an examination paper and a practical assessment on an 11 a-side game. Each County is responsible for it's own register of Level One umpires and courses are regularly organised. Once accredited, Level One Umpires are required to umpire a minimum of five games a year. If they are player umpires, the requirement is reduced to three.”

Umpires who have not fulfilled this requirement, and who have not alerted DCHUA to the reasons why are now being formally warned that DCHUA will be making them inactive on 1 September 2007.

If you have any commnets on this then post them.

Level One Course

2007-06-12T22:06:00.000+01:00

I have just finished a Level One Course at Marjons, Plymouth. A course normally comprises 2 sessions of about 3 hours, including the exam. There were only 9 on the course but this gave me the opportunity to spend more time with each person. Also, we took the opportunity to have a third session by using a Plymouth Mixed Summer League Division 3 game (Insolvency Service v DML Superstars) to allow the umpires to blow a whistle for 10/15 minutes each; no jokes about the umpires going for broke please! After the game they sat the Level One exam.

I would like to thank the teams for entering into the spirit of it and also to Mike Timson for helping me with the group coaching side of the event. Thanks also to Rob Logan for organising the course and Jamie Oxley for the venue, etc.

Mike and I split the umpires into 2 groups. While the trainee umpires umpired we did some group coaching on the side with those waiting to blow, or who had just come off.

I believe this was of great benefit as it allowed the trainees to get some immediate umpire experience.

Any thoughts you have on this are welcome.

Caption Competition

2007-06-11T11:49:00.000+01:00

For those of you not familiar with Martin Stoneman he is a man with many opinions and not all of them hockey related or politically correct! This picture was taken by Andrew Harvey when Martin was umpiring ISCA Vintage v Great Britain Vintage at the ‘ISCA 30 Years On’ celebration. Martin has kindly agreed that we can use this picture for a caption competition (thanks Martin, but I would have used it anyway). To help you it might be worth mentioning that something has obviously happened up the other end of the pitch. So what is your caption?

DCHUA Vice Presidents Honoured

2007-06-11T11:38:00.000+01:00

Roger Reffell, a very long standing member of DCHUA and according to reports an original member, was elected as a Vice President of DCHUA at the AGM on 11 May 2007. Roger was unable to attend the AGM so I took the opportunity to present Roger with a framed certificate at the ‘ISCA 30 Years On’ tournament at Exeter University on Saturday 9 June 2007. The presentation was made after Roger has umpired ISCA Vintage v Great Britain Vintage, the opening game of the 4 game tournament that was celebrating the fact that 10 members of ISCA had been playing members for 30 years.

I also took the opportunity to present a framed certificate to Kevin Hughes, another original, to celebrate his election as a Vice President about 10 years ago. Kevin was at the tournament resplendent in his DCHUA Umpire Kit as Umpire Manager and clearly itching to get on and blow a game.

Shielding

2007-06-09T11:21:00.001+01:00

I recently received the following email. I thought it might be of interest and stir some blog debate.

"During the match one of my team members was accused of a rule called shielding. Having 3 umpires on my team I was informed that there is no such rule. We were slightly confused by the decision as it happened more than once. Could you explain if there is a rule called shielding so I can inform my team or if there is a similar rule?"

My Reply:

This is what the rules say.

---------------------------------------

Rule 9.12
Players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball.

Players obstruct if they:
– back into an opponent
– physically interfere with the stick or body of an opponent
– SHIELD the ball from a legitimate tackle with their stick or any part of their body.

A stationary player receiving the ball is permitted to face in any direction.

A player with the ball is permitted to move off with it in any direction except bodily into an opponent.

A player who runs in front of or blocks an opponent to stop them legitimately playing or attempting to play the ball is obstructing (this is third party or shadow obstruction).

This also applies if an attacker runs across or blocks defenders (including the goalkeeper) when a penalty corner is being taken.

---------------------------------------

So that's what the rules say. Therefore ‘shielding’ is a type of obstruction. Often ‘shielding’ occurs when a player deliberately places their body, leg, stick, etc. in between the ball and the player who is trying to make a legitimate tackle. For a good plain English definition of ‘shielding’ and other things click on the following link (but remember it was written in October 2005):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/hockey/4188436.stm

So what are your thoughts on the subject?

A funny thing happened to me at the hockey game I recently umpired . . . .

2007-06-09T10:21:00.001+01:00

I’m off up to Exeter today to umpire West Vintage v England Vintage, one of four games to celebrate ‘ISCA 30 Year On’, where some ‘experienced’ players have been playing for ISCA for 30 years. Goodness knows how many cards they have amalgamated between them, no more than 7 or 8 I suspect!

However, one of those ‘experienced’ players is Alan Coulter, who has recently been putting his considerable ‘experience’ to profitable use by umpiring the odd game for the Neutral Pool. I umpired with Alan when ISCA Vintage played Maidenhead Vintage in the last 16 of the EH Vintage Cup in January this year on the sand based at Exeter University. 2 Irishmen in control of 22 Englishmen – oh how we enjoyed that, but I digress.

Unfortunately, during the game the Maidenhead keeper, in the process of saving a shot, ended up breaking his ankle. The game was stopped and medical assistance was required; after a few minutes he started to go into shock. Now you’d think an ambulance would be sufficient. But no, as the picture shows we went the whole hog with the Devon Air Ambulance.

Of course, while Alan and I where concerned for the welfare of the elderly (er, sorry ‘experienced’ goalie) we felt it would be unwise to let such a photo opportunity slip by.

So that’s my ‘funny’ story. What’s yours?

Welcome to the DCHUA Blog

2007-06-07T10:31:00.001+01:00

Who says Devon Hockey Umpires are boring old farts. At least we now have a blog! So I guess now that makes us blind, boring old farts who are pretending to be 'with it'.

All comments welcome, but watch out, I may just award you a green, yellow or red card if it gets nasty!!

Hope you all enjoy the blog and get posting.

Paddy

President

DCHUA