Two weeks ago Megan Potter, Carolyn Russell, Sally Christie, Rebecca Daly and Linzi Flintoft from Dunfermline Carnegie Hockey Club completed a youth umpire course along with another 10 girls from Woodmill High School. The course was held at Woodmill High School over 3 separate days and was taken by international umpire, Sarah Wilson. On the first day the girls had a classroom session, in this they were taught the basics of umpiring such as positioning and hand signals, some basic rules and went over some scenarios. On the second week it started off with some revision of the previous session followed by some practical practice with small sided games – with each participant taking a turn to umpire and were given tips and coaching as they umpired. Each of them also received their own rule book and whistle. Finally on the last week the girls had to sit a theory test and everyone passed first time. The girls were awarded with a Scottish Hockey youth umpire award certificate. Now the girls will have opportunities to practice their umpiring at the club’s youth matches, training and tournaments to hopefully progress with their umpiring.
Report by Megan Potter