Meeting Minutes
EHIUSP, 3rd July 2010
Attendees:
Val Sassall (Chair), Barry Anderson, David Lane, Liz Pelling.
Meeting opened at 10.30am with a welcome from the Chair. The purpose of this meeting was to review indoor performance for the 2009-2010 season and improvements identified, then to plan for the 2010-2011 season (based on EH proposed programme).
1.Apologies for Absence
David Collier – work commitments.
Martyn Gallivan resigned after end of indoor programme due to new FIH role abroad.
2.Minutes of Last Meeting
2.1.8th March 2009
VS signed the minutes as published to the website as a true record. AGREED
2.2.Matters Arising
08/03/09 Minute 4) Update and recommendation re Emma Davey once NPUSP Chair has met. Done.
08/03/09 Minute 5.1) Fitness tests checked then all men upgraded notified - MTG. Done.
08/03/09 Minute 5.1) EH (JN) notified that Scott Evans & Rob Jenkins achieved National Indoor Badge. Done
08/03/09 Minute 5.2) All actions completed. Done
08/03/09 Minute 6) EH (JN) sent VS all UMs reports. Done
08/03/09 Minute 6) All suggested UM names approached. Done
08/03/09 Minute 6) Exchanges with Scotland or Wales not easy as dates of key tournaments clash. Done
08/03/09 Minute 7) Budgets discussed with Exec re development group for World Cup 2011 – VS/MTG. Done
08/03/09 Minute 9) Discussed with Exec where challenges for volumes of umpires and UMs were in the planned EH indoor Programme. Done
08/03/09 Minute 9) Contacted all regions to ensure any available umpire candidates were registered with NPUA asap and were aware of fitness testing. Done
08/03/09 Minute 10) Website for indoor availability set to 1 October 2009. Done
08/03/09 Minute 10) EH (SB) provided with all feedback from NPUA indoor. Done
08/03/09 Minute 10) Umpires who change availability contact the Chair. Done
08/03/09 Minute 10) Selectors who are available for consideration for 2009-2010 season communicated to Exec. Done
3.International Performance
The 2009/10 season was another very successful season of achievement for indoor umpiring:
- Andrew Kennedy was upgraded to FIH Grade I umpire;
- Lee Barron was upgraded to FIH Promising List umpire;
- Lia Wainemade a promising start to her international indoor career at the WASA tournament;
- A large number of other NPUA members participated in European tournaments.
FIH(W) 1stAsia Indoor CupSarah BushUmpire
FIH(W) 1stAsia Indoor CupKaren EvansUmpire
NPUA(M) England Training IntersquadAndrew Kennedy,Nick WhiteUmpire
NPUA(M) England Training v Old LoughtsSean Edwards, Andrew KennedyUmpire
NPUA(W) England Training v LeicesterKaren Evans, Lia WaineUmpire
NPUA(M) England v Scotland @NIANick WhiteUmpire
NPUA(W) England v Scotland @NIASarah BushUmpire
NPUA(M) Scotland v England(3 match series)Lee BarronUmpire
NPUA(W) Scotland v England(3 match series)Frances BlockUmpire
EHF (M) Pavel Rosa Memorial - CANCELLEDPaul Box-GraingerUM
EHF (M) Pavel Rosa Memorial - CANCELLEDWill DruryUmpire
NPUA(M) England@ WASA CupAndrew Kennedy, Nick WhiteUmpire
NPUA(W) England@ WASA CupLia WaineUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Nations ChampsNick WhiteUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Nations ChampsTony KelleherUM
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Nations TrophyLee BarronUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Nations TrophyAndy MairUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Nations TrophyMartyn GallivanTD
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Nations ChampsDawn Henning, Irene ClellandUmpire
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Nations ChallengeFrances Block, Cathy JonesUmpire
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Nations ChallengeLouise KnipeUM
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Champs CupBarry AndersonTD
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs TrophyAndrew KennedyUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Challenge IILee BarronUmpire
EHF(M) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Challenge IIDavid LaneUM
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Champs CupSarah Bush, Dino WilloxUmpire
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Champs CupLouise KnipeUM
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs TrophyKaren EvansUmpire
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs ChallengeFrances BlockUmpire
EHF(W) EuroHockey Indoor Clubs ChallengeVal Sassall (declined -work)UM
NPUA(M) Umpire Exchange – Denmark ChampsAndrew Kennedy, Nick WhiteUmpire
It was noted that we should try to appoint a selector or coach to the WASA Cup if possible to provide support to our umpires at this competitive tournament.
ACTION: Check with EH / NPUA Exec invite to WASA Cup and try to appoint coach as well as umpires. - VS
4.Trent Arena Appointments & Performance
Mens / Womens / JuniorsUM / Tony Kelleher / Louise Knipe / Liz Pelling
Lee Barron (FIH) / Frances Block (FIH I) / Rob Argent / Kevin Freeman
Scott Evans / Sarah Bush (FIH I) / Sean Edwards / Lia Waine
Andrew Kennedy (FIH PL) / Dawn Henning (FIH I) / Matt Harrison / Tim Whale
Nick White (FIH I) / Lili James / Alex Hayes / (Res: Ben Mills)
Mens Final :Lee Barron, Andrew Kennedy
Womens Final :Sarah Bush, Lili James
Umpires have received DVDs of matches.
5.National Programme Performance
There were a total of 209 appointments (plus changes for availability, injury etc) this season:
10 EH Performance umpire appointments
3 WASA Cup umpire appointments
2 Umpire exchange appointments
124 EHL umpire appointments + 24 UM appointments + 4AUMs + 3 Umpire Captains
41 U18/U16 Appointments + 4 UMs
15 Finals Appointments + 3 UMs
14 Assessor Appointments
For the first time in it’s history, the EHLI had a weekend of fixtures cancelled, when the country was covered in snow and/or ice 9-10 Jan 2010. This meant that EHLI Premier, Div 2N and Div2S fixtures were cancelled, and EH rapidly reorganised the programme combining EHLI Premier with DivI and condensing Div2 teams into a round robin playoff. The revised scheduleraised clashes for our umpires, UMs and Officials with EHF events, and led to a particularly challenging time for selection and appointing domestically. It also offered chances to give others opportunities they might not have had.
The umpires provided excellent support flexing their availability and being patient as we sorted out the schedule changes. The revised programme hit the UM availability particularly hard, and the EHIUSP were grateful of the support of senior umpires across both the Mens and Womens programme who volunteered to help out (Andrew Kennedy, Rob Jenkins, Richard Kirk, Sarah Bush, Frances Block, Lili James and Peter Divall).
Unfortunately the changes to the programme meant that there were some candidates we were unable to assess, although they did get an appointment in the Junior programme where available. VS contacted them during the season to explain the situation.
In reviewing performance, it was noted that the practice is consideration for members not being active for a season to be moved down a panel, and for umpires not active for 2 seasons to be removed. Special consideration was made for those appointed the weekend which was snowed off if that was their only appointment to leave the umpires concerned on their current panel.
Last season, the selectors agreed that due to the limited opportunities in the Indoor programme, there should be a maximum of 10 umpires on the Premier Panel, and a maximum of 4 umpires on the Premier A Panel. It was agreed to continue this practice. Also the selectors do not consider it adequate for Premier umpires to only be available for the Premier weekends.
It is critical therefore that umpires realise that achieving the required minimum mark for either the Premier or Premier A panel is no longer necessarily enough to either gain or retain a place on either of these panels.
It was noted that as anticipated there are NPUA umpires who did not umpire in the indoor EHL but had other opportunities through the expansion of the U18/U16 Schools/Clubs.
The selectors made a full assessment of each of the umpires from the performance reports, and feedback from the Umpire Managers. Many umpires had also been seen by a selector during the season. Fitness tests were also noted as no promotion can occur without these per the 2009-2010 NPUA Fitness Policy.
5.1.EH Performances – Mens Panels
5.1.1.Mens Panels : PREMIER
No changes.5.1.2.Mens Panels : PREMIER A
Matt Harrison to be promoted to the Premier Panel; Martin Twist to be returned to the A Panel5.1.3.Mens Panels : A
Tim Benford and Sean Edwards to be promoted to Premier A Panel. It was noted that Tim cannot umpire in Premier if still playing for his club.5.1.4.Mens Panels : B
Rob Argent to be promoted to the A Panel.David Rose has resigned membership ; Mark Gray return to region – not umpired.
5.1.5.Mens Panels : Candidates
Mark Everard, Ben Mills, Robert Brownbridge and Charles Hallows all promoted to the B panel.Jim Marchant could not be assessed : plan next season subject to 2010-11 fitness requirements.
5.1.6.Mens Panels : Reserves
Dawn Henning was appointed to Mens Div I in preparation for an EHF tournament.Mens Panels after review:
Premier / Premier Dev / A Panel / B Panel / Reserves / Candidates
Lee Barron (FIH) / Tim Benford / Rob Argent / Robert Brownbridge / Dawn Henning / Jim Marchant
Scott Evans / Will Drury (FIH) / Andy Barnes / Mark Everard
Matt Harrison / Sean Edwards / Dan Barstow / Charles Hallows
Andy Higgins / Mark Jarvis / Alex Hayes
Rob Jenkins / David Kingston / Guy Lawson
Tony Kelleher / Richard Kirk / Dave Lennie
Andrew Kennedy (FIH) / Jon Molloy / Peter MacLellan
David Lane / Saul Shohet / Ben Mills
Andy Mair (FIH) / Martin Stott / Terry Norwood
Nick White (FIH) / Martin Twist / Jim Patel
Paul Walker / Pritpal Sihota
Matthew Simpson
ACTION: Notify all men who have changed panels - BA
ACTION: Notify NPUA Secretary Matt Harrison has achieved National Badge - VS
ACTION: Liaise with regions re progression of NYUPL umpires indoors - LP
5.2.EH Performances – Womens Panels
5.2.1.Womens Panels : PREMIER
Emma Davey returned to region – not umpiring at present.5.2.2.Womens Panels : PREMIER A
Anne Bartley moved to A Panel as she does not wish to umpire Premier.5.2.3.Womens Panels : A
Debbie Starling has retired and VS has thanked her for her service to indoor umpiring.5.2.4.Womens Panels : B
Lia Waine promoted to Premier AKevin Freeman promoted to A
Sarah Chapman & Julie Ferrett did not umpire all season – remains on panel.
Fiona Gray has not umpired for two seasons so removed from panel.
5.2.5.Womens Panels : Candidates
Joanna Forrest and Hannah Sanders to be promoted to A panel.Peter Lawley umpired U16 event. Alex Walsh only available for the weekend snowed off. Both will be assessed next season subject to fitness test requirements.
5.2.6.Womens Panels : Reserves
The reserve list was reviewed. Annette Harvey, Terry Norwood, and Daryl Sudworth removed as not umpired womens indoor for two seasons.Womens Panels after review:
Premier / Premier Dev / A Panel / B Panel / Reserves / Candidates
Frances Block (FIH) / Lia Waine / Anne Bartley / Sarah Chapman / Andy Barnes / Peter Lawley
Sarah Bush (FIH) / Peter Divall / Julie Ferrett / Rob Jenkins / Alex Walsh
Irene Clelland (FIH) / Jo Forrest / Jane Hallett / David Lane
Karen Evans (FIH) / Kevin Freeman / Ann Hopkins / Dave Lennie
Dawn Henning (FIH) / Debbie Garner / Terry Lees / Peter MacLellan
Lili James / Laura Geeson / Chris Row / Jim Patel
Cathy Jones (FIH) / Steven Rice / David Savage / Saul Shohet
Dino Willox (FIH) / Hannah Sanders / Trevor Taylor / Martin Stott
Carol Unwin / Ed Waller
Marilyn Walker
ACTION: Notify all women who have changed panels - LP
ACTION: Liaise with regions re progression of NYUPL umpires indoors –LP
It was agreed that Kevin Freeman should be encouraged to change to Mens Panels.
ACTION: EHIUSP nomination Kevin Freeman to Mens Candidate – VS
6.EH Performances – Umpire Managers
VS gave a review of UM performance from the feedback received this season. Many of the umpires provided good feedback. Having assistant UMs at some events worked well for the umpires as well as the UM team and should be continued where resources allow.
At some events UMs talked to coaches to help them understand how the umpires were managing the game under the new rules. This worked well and a communication should be considered for next season.
ACTION: EHIUSP to provide briefing note to coaches via EH & to UMs – VS
Colin Barthorpe has indicated his wish to retire as a UM next season.
ACTION: Write to Colin thanking him on behalf of EHIUSP & the umpires–VS
It was noted with regret that Richard Ford and Jane Bellehewe are no longer contactable.
ACTION: Liaise with Coaching Manager / NPUA Chair re encouragement of L3 coaches and
coach candidates for UM development in indoor programme – DL
It was agreed to actively promote development of indoor UMs.
ACTION: Contact potential UMs to register as L3 candidates– DL
UMs Panels after review:UMs / EHF UMs / FIH UMs
Barry Anderson / Paul Box-Grainger / Tony Kelleher
Paul Box-Grainger / David Lane / Louise Knipe
David Collier / Liz Pelling / Val Sassall
Jackie Gibbs / Richard Wilson
Dawn Henning / Peter Worrall
Tony Kelleher
Louise Knipe
David Lane
Jane Nockolds
James O’Hara
Liz Pelling
Val Sassall
7.EH Performances – Development Groups
None held in 2009/10.
8.2009/2010 Other Feedback
8.1.Query on selection
The NPUA Executive had shared some queries re indoor selectionthrough to theNPIUSP Chair:
a)whether all umpires appointed had the appropriate fitness tests;
b)why a non-member had been appointed
c)the basis for appointment to the junior finals at the Finals Weekend.
As the EHIUSP is responsible to the EHUSP, VS had agreed with PBG that this should be discussed at the EHUSP meeting 19th June 2010.
VS has asked the NPUA Chair for specific details for items a) and b) as no-one was appointed without the relevant fitness test according to the website, and the website allowed appointment of all those selected so membership was assumed.
As to item c), in prior years the U18/U16 Finals were part of the Indoor Finals Day and were umpired by the top umpires selected also for the club finals taking place the same day. For the 2009/2010 season the indoor programme for U18 and U16 events was changed to split the clubs and schools championships. The finals of these tournaments were incorporated into the Finals, and extended the event into a Finals weekend. In accordance with the EH Performance Umpiring Plan, the EHIUSP agreed to appoint the top 4 umpires for the Premier Club semis and finals, plus umpires appropriate to the age groups for the junior events at the Finals weekend. This is similar to the outdoor approach (with a difference to the outdoor being that more of the senior NPUA membership umpire during the junior tournaments which qualify teams for the finals at present due to the number of events and the junior membership of indoor umpiring still evolving) : appointment plans were also complicated as EHLI matches were snowed off then moved to clash with junior weekends.
For the 2010/2011 season, EH has changed the programme again returning to a one day EHL Club Finals day, and junior finals back into the junior tournament weekends.
The EHIUSP agreed that VS should continue to liaise with the NPUA Chair to obtain specifics and guidance from the Exec thatthey feel policy / EH PUP has been appropriately applied.
ACTION: VS to clarify the Exec’s perspective with NPUA Chair.
8.2.New Rules
Feedback had been sent to NPUA Chair re the rule changes for the indoor season.
Feedback had been provided to EH re need for a TO training on Time outs and GK subs.
After the first Premier weekend, UMs were asked to make umpires aware of the potential at timeouts for dissent which should be treated in the same way as during normal play.
8.3.Use of Radios
After initial concerns re the unknown, the Premier and Div I umpires who had the opportunity to use them found the radios a valuable new tool. Care has to be taken to continue overt communication as well as talking together on the radio.
The radio battery packs were tricky for the women as they are big and have no clips on them. Belts were obtained which were quite bulky. Those using their skort pocket found it tricky to get their cards out of the same pocket and the large packs stretched the skirt pocket.
Most people found it easier to have the mike on the opposite ear to their whistle hand.
Radio Set 2 worked intermittently at times.
At the first Prem weekend one of the sets picked up a mens umpire through the womens headsets !
Need a guidance note re the disciplines required to collect, use, return and charge – and personal ownership of this as part of their preparation. Also to have spare headset pitchside.
The guide should also include instructions re fitting and testing 20 mins before start to allow time to fix, and not to fiddle with the settings apart from volume.
The “referee” radio controls all the others in the set, so if that one’s not on, nothing works !
This feedback was provided to Tim Benford during the season.
ACTION: VS to suggest to Exec that someone could be appointed as a radio “controller” for their development as the umpires need to be helped at a tournament as to how to use and charge the radios.