The FIH was invited by the Chinese Hockey Association to send a Conductor to assist them stage an Umpiring Course prior to the Women's Qualifying Tournament for the National Games of China, which was due to take place in Dalian City from 19-30 April 2009.
The appointed Conductor, Jan Hadfield (AUS) - one the Umpire Managers at 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (CHN) - reports back on her experiences.
Course venue: -
The Dalian Sports Training Base is administered by the Dalian Provincial Government, providing high quality training & playing facilities for several sports - with hockey being the most prominent. The 2 water-based turfs are situated in a picturesque setting adjacent to the water & overlooking the bay & islands of the fishing town of Lushun. The Course was conducted in a top-class lecture room containing everything required for the presentation.
Course content: -
China's elite women umpires (14) were selected to attend the Course & then participate in the China Games Qualifying Tournament. Several Technical Officials & CHA personnel were also in attendance at all times.
Day 1
2 sessions (5 hours in total) discussing Modern Umpiring Trends.
Day 2
2 sessions discussing/demonstrating/reviewing match action of the new Free Hit Rules.
Days 3 & 4: -
The Qualifying Tournament for the China Games started on the 19April 2009 - the umpires were coached on each game, with an ÔÇÿend-of-day' review also held. This group of umpires has considerable potential - enthusiasm, commitment and ability were displayed.
Asked for her overall impressions from her visit, Jan commented ÔÇÿThe Chinese Hockey Association is providing considerable resources to support their umpires. I was impressed by the flexibility shown in providing at short notice umpires' outfits appropriate for the sudden inclement weather we had (freezing cold, which was followed by freezing, torrential rain).
The standard of play at the Tournament was extremely high and the umpires rose to the challenge. Their camaraderie is infectious - and the potential for further development is unlimited.
The town of Lushun provides a truly scenic venue for hockey. Dalian City, an hour's drive away, is an ultra-modern metropolis providing easy access to Lushun via its International airport.
The hospitality provided by the Chinese Hockey Association was outstanding, as it had been in Beijing at last year's Olympic Games - the seafood banquet on the eve of the Qualifying Tournament being a memorable evening'.
The Course participants were: -
Miao Lin, Cai Xuemei, Liu Xiaoying, Chen Hong, Xiong Ru, Zhai Jingling, Wang Lijun, Guo Li, Li Juan, Fan Shufang, Wang Yanli, Wang Taotao and Tian Yimiao
