SNG (Supporting National Growth) – What happened in 2013
The EHF Education Committee – Umpires Working group has been doing a lot of work all throughout Europe. Here is a brief survey of all the activities they organised in 2013. If your National Association would like more information or would like to stage a similar workshop, please contact our Education and Development Manager, Norman Hughes (norman@eurohockey.org)
May 3rd – 5th Vienna, Austria
A regional workshop for umpires and umpires coaches was held during the final tournament of the Interleague in Vienna. It was led by Thomas Eilmer from Austria. The theoretical part was held on Friday for all the participating umpires, more precisely – a briefing for umpires at the tournament and a workshop for umpires coaches. Participating umpires at the tournament and at the workshop were from 3 countries – 3 from Austria, 3 from Slovenia and 2 from Hungary.
The games of the Interleague (3 games each day) were held on the sunny Saturday and Sunday, where the teams from Austria, Slovenia, Hungary and Slovakia competed. Participating umpires were presiding over these games, meanwhile the umpires coaches carried the practical education, watched the games and gave feedback after the games were over. The tournament was a good preparation for the umpires regarding the judging of European games, meanwhile the leaders of the umpires gained knowledge for work and for the progress of judging in their countries.
At the end of the final day all participants were presented with their EHF Certificate of Participation.
August 31st – September 1st Oslo, Norway
A regional workshop for umpires and umpires coaches was held during the final tournament of Norwegian Outdoor League. It was led by Ged Curran from Scotland. On Friday evening Ged gave a class room seminar to 25 umpires and 1 umpires coach from Norway as well as 1 umpire from Finland on the rules and regulations and the four key areas of decision-making, management, flow and timing and presentation used to assess umpires. Watching lots of video clips produced positive constructive discussion about this level of umpiring and that currently in Norway.
On Saturday the umpires were challenged to umpire in the way we watch from the classroom experience. Umpires were photographed and videoed and afterwards they watched and discussed these clips together with Ged. Half way during the day and also at the end the group came together and discussed how well they have improved and then set more targets for Sunday.Sunday followed the same pattern and by the end of the weekend it was clear that most of the umpires had made improvements in their ability. At the end of the final day all participants were presented with their EHF Certificate of Participation.
September 13th – 15th Minsk, Belarus
A regional workshop for umpires and umpires coaches was held during the Women Comonwealth Cup, U16/U18. Due to a quick illness from the original conductor it was thankfully led with only a few days’ notice by Elena Eskina from Russia and Tatiana Kaltypan from Ukraine who planned to attend as participants. A total of 22 umpires and umpires’ coaches took part in this seminar. The participants came from Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia and Georgia.
The participants watched may video clips on Friday and “worked” on the pitch at practical sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Also they get their person feedback after every game and discussed how they have improved.
The seminar run on a great and high level. Elena and Tatiana did everything that the seminar was interesting and useful and were happy to share their knowledge with young colleagues. They saw the willingness and interest of not only the umpires but also from the coaches.
EHF President Marijke Fleuren was pleased to thank Elena and Tatiana on behalf of the EHF Executive Board, the Education Committee and Thomas Eilmer for representing the EHF and for their excellent work.
October 18th – 20th Sofia, Bulgaria
A regional workshop for umpires and umpires coaches was held during the final tournament of Bulgarian Outdoor League. It was led by Craig Madden from Scotland. A total of 18 umpires and umpires’ coaches took part in this three day seminar. The participants came mostly from Bulgaria, but there were also umpires from Greece, Romania and Serbia.
The emphasis of the course was on participation and discussion, and everybody entered into that spirit despite some small language issues. The morning sessions consisted of classroom activities, and included discussion on the FIH Umpire Managers Briefing, Umpire Management issues and the use of the FIH Dartfish video presentation on the rules.
Each afternoon there were two games in the finals of Bulgarian competitions, a total of six games, and this allowed 12 umpires to show what they could do on the pitch. Every game was recorded on video with the focus on the umpire more than the game. In the evening there were the debrief sessions based on the video of the games. This allowed for discussion both on the quality of decision making, but also on all aspects of presentation and management.
At the end of the final day all participants were presented with their EHF Certificate of Participation.
The EHF Education Committee – Umpires Working Group wants to thank the Federations for their work in hosting these seminars, the umpires and umpire’s coaches for their interest and their willingness to learn. Last but not least, we would like to thank the mentors, who did a great job.
Photos: Thomas Eilmer/EHF