WISH LIST FOR MALAYSIAN HOCKEY UMPIRES

Need to change in the pathway and doing new innovative ways:

Reflect current performance and availability, and therefore allowing for movement between grades to serve hockey in the best possible way.

Introduce education & training through the Seminars & Courses, directly linked to grades as a mandatory requirement to maintain status.

Significantly increase the talent development of younger officials in partnership with the Affiliates.

Allow fast-tracking of high potential officials.Creating Special Projects, as a step in the search for potential Umpires.

Transforming into digitization such as online exams, database, assessment points, resources, online courses, appointment schedule etc.

Slightly lower the criteria for entry-level officials making it possible to celebrate School, State and National status for more officials.

The pathway has its primary focus to increase quality of officiating as well as offering officials a transparent structure. 

Establish dynamic systems and procedures in the management of Umpires in Malaysia.

Introduction of planned development and educational activities at the State, MOE and National levels for Umpires for Indoor & Outdoor.

Encourage domestic competitions to implement Video Referral as compulsory in order to assist the growth of Video Umpires. 

Hold special English Language Classes & improve their communication skills as this is a prerequisite to be a successful International Umpire.

Look into the Welfare such as scholarships to study; jobs; increasing their allowances & providing a clear career pathway for all levels of Umpiring.

Allocating a yearly guaranteed Budget which permits a clear mind in establishing the operation and management of the Umpires activities.

Suggestions for establishing New Structure or Panel of Umpires - 4 Panels:

Introduction Panel - main objective creating an ecosystem & awareness about Umpiring in Malaysia. Its objective is to promote & develop the Umpires from zero to classification.

Talent Panel – The panel for the younger talents in all categories of officials. Should be able to reach National Age Group Events within 3 years. A special education program is dedicated to this group of officials at MOE & Affiliates level.

Development Panel – The entry-level for National panel to officiate MHL, MJHL, SUKMA & Tun Abdul Razak Cup.

International Panel - qualified & potential group of Umpires for FIH & AHF International Entry Level.

From there on, the International Umpires will abide the FIH & AHF requirement from Talent Panel till Olympic Games Panel.

Advice to up-and-coming umpires:

First of all, enjoy it, love it, be passionate about what you do. There will be ups and downs in your career, but passion can drive you far.

Set ambitious targets for yourself. Where do you want to be next year, in 5 years? Objectives help you focus and prioritise.

Be humble, honest and listen to the feedback that umpire coaches & senior colleagues give you. This is how we grow.

Be yourself – be inspired by watching some of our best umpires but still be yourself on the pitch – it is possibly the easiest one to be!

Work hard and be fit. The future international umpire is an athlete with a whistle.

If you want to make it to the very top you need to be doing that little extra – that extra preparation, that extra hour in the gym or on the running track, that extra game on Sunday, or that extra exchange to your neighbouring country. I believe that is the biggest difference between the top umpires and the people just below – their drive, and will to learn and succeed.

Finally, hope one day the MHC Umpires will be totally independent & recognized as a Professional body in years to come.

All the best...