The Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) rolled out their Aspiring International Umpires Course recently at the Pan Am Games in Toronto. It attracted 12 umpires from as far as Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico, with the incentive of developing their officiating skills with help from some of the sport’s leading experts.
The participants, which also included officials from Canada and the USA, attended the course which took place between 15-17 July during the Games.
Aimed at officials aiming to secure their first international appointment and for international umpires looking to develop their skills further, attendees were given the latest information and skills relating to in tournament and match preparation.
FIH Umpires Manager Alan Waterman from Canada, with support from Pan Am Games Umpire Managers Steve Horgan (USA) and Chris Wilson (Canada), challenged participants to analyse their own tournament and match preparation, both physically and psychologically.
Renowned sports psychologist, Dr. Saul Miller, who has worked with numerous professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, as well as many Olympians, provided additional psychological advice to the aspiring umpires.The course offered both classroom and practical based activity. With the Pan Am Games pitches just a short distance away, participants had the chance to analyse the match management and communications skills of eight Games umpires participating in the event.
Neutral umpire Paco Vazquez, from Spain, also joined them in the stands to help them evaluate the various scenarios presented to the officials during the games.
For more information about the PAHF’s Aspiring International Umpires Course, contact them via their website: http://www.panamhockey.org
Photo: l-r back row - Charlotte Hadwen (Canada), Alan Waterman (Instructor, Canada), Mario DeMello (Canada), Jeremy O’Connor (Canada), Baljit Randhawa (Canada), Jorge Ramirez Herodier (Guatemala), Vanessa Williamson (Canada), Reinier Diaz (Cuba)
l-r front row - Ridge Bair (USA), Diana Fuentes Castelo (Mexico), Mary Driscoll (USA), Alex Miles (Canada), Maggie Befort (USA), Rebecca Moreno (translator).
