Former international umpire Peter von Reth has been awarded the Diploma of Merit by FIH President Leandro Negre at a specially arranged presentation on Wednesday evening.
The Diploma is awarded to individuals who have served a period of distinguished service to the sport, a description which very much applies to this hugely respected official. As an umpire, Peter von Reth attended no less than three Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000). He has also been an FIH International Umpire Manager since 2000, taking the role at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as well as the 2002 FIH World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
He will long be remembered for his massive contribution to the FIH Umpiring Committee between 2002 and 2008, where he greatly advanced the cause of umpiring. He was deputy chair of the Committee from 2002 before taking the role of chairman between 2005 and 2008. Von Reth played a major role in bringing a more professional approach in terms of umpire coaching through the use of video analysis as well as championing the use of radio technology between match officials.
ÔÇ£I'm very surprised to get this award, but also I'm very honouredÔÇØ, said Peter von Reth on receiving his diploma from FIH President Leandro Negre. ÔÇ£I hope I can contribute to hockey, especially umpiring, for at least the next few years.ÔÇØ
