Hockey INTERNATIONAL UMPIRES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29384, 10 December 1960, Page 15

Hockey INTERNATIONAL UMPIRES

NZ. Grading System Inquiry Wanted

The International Hockey Federation has asked the New Zealand Hockey Association to investigate the system of grading of international umpires, as far as the Dominion is concerned. A report from a sub-committee on this matter was received at a meeting of the management committee of the association last evening, and was referred to the New Zealand Hockey Umpires’ Association for its views. The present world-wide system for grading hockey umpires allows for the grade “international umpire” for one who has officiated in three international matches, and the grade “international umpire class 1” for one who has officiated in five international matches. The latter qualification is necessary before an umpire is permitted to officiate at the Olympic Games. The International Hockey Federation has agreed, as far as Australia is concerned, to accept interstate matches in that country as rating the same as international level for this purpose, because of Australia’s geographical position. The request for a report from New Zealand arose out of this dispensation. Messrs J. L. Squire and B. A. Turner, manager and coach of the New Zealand hockey team which took part in the Olympic Games in Rome this year, attended the meeting to make their reports. These were fully discussed by the members of the management committee, in conjunction with Messrs Turner and Squire.

It was decided that the next annual meeting of the association should be held in Auckland.