Umpire course in China
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
Day 2
Days 3 & 4 -
Asked for her overall impressions from her visit, Jan commented ‘The
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