Age: 16
Umpiring Level: Level 1 Assessed
THD Teams 2023/24 season: W3 & GU18 Komodo
Awards: London Young Umpire of the Year 2024, THD Club Umpire of the Year 2023 & 2024
Tell us about your Hockey background, when did you start playing, coaching and umpiring?
I started playing in 2015 at the club and then at school. I began to help coach for my DofE bronze in 2021 and became involved in umpiring the U10 & U12 festivals and tournaments with other THD Juniors, encouraged by Marilyn. I played in my age group squad at school and was always in the top THD team for my age group – I am now a GU18 Komodo at THD and completed a full season with the THD W3. I enjoyed winning the promotion with them!
I also began to umpire school matches on a Saturday morning, which has given me a lot of practice at both Girls and Boys school hockey umpiring! Also, umpired at the London Youth Games and the London In2Hockey finals at Lee Valley, then gained my umpiring qualification as part of my DofE Silver new skill. I’ve volunteered for two seasons as a Club Umpire.
What is it about umpiring that you enjoy? Why do you do it?
Umpiring is a challenge that I enjoy; it requires quick thinking, precision, and focus that I continue to push to be better at. It is rewarding to be able to combine my love of hockey with my drive for learning since when I umpire, I am always having new experiences and learning new strategies on how to think and approach situations.
What are your umpiring creds?
I was the first school pupil and the first 16 year old to take neutral League appointments in London. I am Level 1 assessed and currently a candidate for Level 2 and nominated for the NYUPL (National Youth Umpires Panel). I am going to the Talent Academy National Finals at Nottingham 28th -31st July as London’s only young umpire nominee.
I was awarded Club Umpire of the Year 2023, jointly with Alison Taplin as we qualified together at the first London Club Umpiring Development Day and were 2 of the regular club umpires helping at adult matches that season. This year I was Club Umpire of the Year again and also London Young Umpire of the Year! I recently was given an award at my School, Alleyn’s, for umpiring.
What is the highest level you have umpired? What did you gain from this experience?
London Division 1 Women is the level I currently umpire regularly for London, but I hope to move higher in the coming season. Neutral appointments are invaluable in progressing and as the players become better, I am pushed to become sharper with decisions.
London Division 2 South top-of-the-table clash between THD M2 and Old Cranleighans M2 is a match I will always remember. I was with a far more experienced colleague but held my own, which I am proud of, even though the game became quite heated. THD M2 v Spencer M3 on Remembrance Day 2023 was definitely the most satisfying match I’ve umpired; the standard of play was good, and I felt my decision-making kept up with the match, even though I was still relatively young at the time.
What are your umpiring aspirations? Any goals for next season and beyond?
London Premier both Men and Women. Membership of NYUPL and have opportunities to umpire National League games, so also hoping to get my Level 2 qualification.
What would your advice be to juniors who would like to get involved in umpiring?
It is really important to connect with your club. THD has been wonderful in helping me reach higher levels during my umpiring, and I am hugely thankful for the club’s belief in me. But it is also important to keep pushing to go further with the standard and speed of play. I found neutral appointments to be a real step up and am really glad I took that risk, even though it is quite scary. Overall, I would say that you’ve got to find helpful people who will support you, and don’t be scared to reach out to people and find new opportunities.
If you would like to find out more about officiating at THD or about umpiring qualifications (which are funded by the club) please contact the THD Umpiring Co-ordinator umpiring@thehockeyclub.co.uk.