Respecting our officials and umpires at all levels of hockey in 2023

A letter from the the Hockey Australia CEO on respecting officials and umpires at all levels of our game:

To the Australian Hockey Community,

As the hockey sticks come out for another highly anticipated season across the country, it is a timely reminder about the importance of respect and courtesy we need to show our valued officials and umpires at all levels of our game.

Officials and umpires are as valuable and integral as players and coaches. Without them we do not have a game or a sport. Like players and coaches, umpires and officials devote time, energy and expertise into performing their duties on a weekly basis and we should appreciate all the time and effort they put in.

Hockey Australia along with our Member Associations have a strong position of ‘no tolerance’ when it comes to criticising or verbally abusing officials and umpires.

If hockey is going to continue to thrive and maintain the amazing sense of community and inclusiveness it has, there needs to be respect for everyone in the game. This respect must come from those on and off the field.

Officials and umpires make mistakes…as do players and coaches. Being an umpire or official is a tough and often thankless job. They give up their time to ensure players, coaches and spectators enjoy everything that is great about hockey.

Having excitingly taken up playing the sport myself for the first time this year, it has given me a new appreciation of the skills and knowledge required, not only to play the game but also to those who officiate it.

Regardless of decisions made, whether right or wrong, there is no excuse or justification for verbally abusing or threatening officials and umpires. Next time you think about criticising an umpiring decision or witness someone hurling verbal abuse from over the fence, choose respect instead of criticism and ridicule.

We all have a responsibility to set an example through how we act and what we say. Just like acknowledging the opposition after a hard-fought game, officials and umpires deserve a ‘thank you’ for their participation regardless of the result.

Everyone has a responsibility to make hockey the best game it can be. We are blessed to have so many fantastic people involved in our sport and by retaining officials and umpires and attracting others to take up these important roles, hockey in Australia will continue to blossom. All the best for the season and thanks for choosing hockey.

Warm regards

David Pryles

CEO, Hockey Australia