NZ umpires appointed to Oceania development programme

Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce that 6 umpires from our country have been appointed to the inaugural Oceania Officials Development Program (OODP) by the Oceania Hockey Federation. 

The OODP aims to foster the growth and development of umpires, officials, and umpire managers in the Oceania region who possess the potential to excel on the international stage and beyond. 

Over a two-year period, the OODP participants will be paired with an experienced mentor from the region and offered professional development and umpire opportunities in Oceania. 

Moreover, a significant feature of the program is it will also partner participants from the OODP with umpires from the Pacific Islands National Federations to coach and develop umpiring throughout the Pacific.

Mike Treloar, from the HNZ Officials Advisory Group, is thrilled that NZ is represented in such a fantastic initiative and said, “This is an important extension to our existing national development pathway. 

“With experienced coaching and targeted mentor training, the appointed umpires will be exposed to further technical and practical opportunities to develop their skills and we look forward to following their progress throughout their officiating careers.”

Alan Lints, the Chairman of the Oceania Officials Committee, expressed his enthusiasm about the OODP and said, “We are delighted to have the OODP underway in the region, and this will be an important component of the development of umpires and officials across the region.

“It is a unique opportunity for the OODP participants to work with and learn from the depth of talent in international umpires we have enjoyed in Oceania for many years.”

Hockey New Zealand extends its warmest congratulations to the 6 NZ umpires appointed to the OODP: Brendan Johnstone, Anton Paulin, Ryan Potter, Mallory Barnett, Kelly-Anne Foskin, and Kaitlyn Pennell. We wish them all the best in their participation in the OODP and look forward to seeing them develop and grow as umpires and officials in the sport.