Sheila Brown has spent 41 years as a colonel in the South African Police, serving through some of the most turbulent years in that country’s history and yet, she brings to her role as Tournament Director a humility and empathy that is as unexpected as it is welcome.
“The great things about being a Tournament Director are that you are able to meet so many different hockey families from all over the world; experience so many different personalities and cultures; and at the same time give back to the beautiful game of hockey which I have gained so much from throughout my life,” says Sheila, who is Tournament Director for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Valencia.
As Tournament Director, Sheila sees her role as taking responsibility for, and overseeing, all the event officials. Everything that happens on the pitch or related to the competition comes under her jurisdiction. It is a role that is all about consistency and fairness. “My job is to ensure that the rules and regulations are upheld and applied equally to all participants. Overseeing the appointments process of officials, making sure that the facility meets all the requirements and ensuring that the event is run in a professional manner so as to advertise the sport of hockey and uphold the image of the FIH,” she explains.
When she was not upholding law and order on the streets of South Africa, Sheila was involved in hockey. She was one of the youngest elected members onto the Provisional Executive Committee, where she served as President of the Provincial Association for 21 years. She also served on the South African Hockey Executive Committee for many years in various roles. This experience, says Sheila, has given her the knowledge that she needs to fulfil her role as Tournament Director.
“While serving on the SHA Executive Committee I got particularly involved in overseeing all international playing affairs and rules, including technical aspects. I feel this gives me a sound background. I also played hockey from the age of 14 and, although I never represented South Africa, I was always involved in the national teams in one way or another.
“I think my day-to-day job has given me the ability to think on my feet and make spur of the moment decisions. I lead several units and have a legal background, I think that all combines to allow me to process crises quickly,” she adds.
When it comes to the role, Sheila says each tournament brings its own unique issues. “The coaches and team staff are always pushing the boundaries and bringing new ideas to the game so
you need to be awake to these. You also need to be able to manage people and be alert to the challenges posed by things such as the weather or the demands of television broadcasters.”
For Colonel Brown, a great tournament is one in which “all the teams go away having been given equal opportunity to participate, and that everyone involved – players, officials and spectators – have had an enjoyable experience.
“Some of my best moments have happened when I have been involved in running FIH events but I must say the finals of the World Cup in the Hague were a highlight for me. To witness the absolute enjoyment of everyone there and seeing and hearing all the fantastic comments afterwards made it a special moment in my technical career.”
