Scottish umpire Sarah Wilson promoted to World Development Panel by FIH

Scottish umpire Sarah Wilson’s impressive performances at the recent World League Semi-Finals and Champions Trophy last December have been rewarded with her promotion to the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) World Development Panel.
The World Development Panel includes FIH Grade 1 umpires who have shown the potential to progress to the World Panel, the highest standard of officiating in international hockey.  Additionally, those individuals elevated to the World Development Panel are considered to be ranked in the world’s Top 20 umpires.
Commenting on her promotion, a happy Wilson said, “I feel very honoured. There are only nine women on the World Development Panel and eleven on the World Panel. It is such a reward for all the hard work that has been put into getting this far. It was a real surprise to be promoted so quickly, as I only got my Grade 1 after my performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last year.”
Chair of Scottish Hockey’s International Appointments Committee, and 2012 men’s Olympic final umpire, Ged Curran added, “Another official involved at the highest level can only be good for Scottish Hockey. Sarah is a role model for other women officials and she is going to be involved in all major tournaments in the coming years.”
As one of the youngest umpires promoted to the Panel, the 26 year-old’s rapid rise in the FIH grading system has been impressive.  She can now look forward to being considered by the FIH for appointments to the world’s top level tournaments on a regular basis,
“This promotion gives you more exposure to high level tournaments”, added Wilson. “You are deemed to be an experienced and capable umpire to play a crucial role in allowing the players to play the best hockey they can, but also work as part of a team and help develop other young umpires.
“I think the promotion gives you more confidence and belief that you have the trust of the Umpires Mangers, Tournament Directors, the coaches and players. It makes your ambitions seem more realistic.”
Wilson is one of two Scottish umpires, Martin Madden being the other, who are currently on the Road to Rio Programme, a programme for umpires who have the potential to be selected to the Olympic Games in Brazil this summer.
And with the Games less than a year away, thoughts are turning towards what could be another successful summer for the former Scotland U21 international player, “I have been so fortunate to have already been to some incredible tournaments that were once only an ambition.
“I am down to the final 24 for selection to the 2016 Rio Olympics where they will take 16 or 17 [umpires]. I really didn’t expect to be in the running until the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 so I feel very excited about this opportunity”, said Wilson.
This summer, Scotland’s top female whistler will travel to London to fulfil her appointment to the EuroHockey Nations Championship, which will be another fantastic achievement to add to her ever-growing CV.
However, as Wilson was keen to emphasise, it’s not just European hockey that is on her list of ambitions,
“I would love to do a World Cup and World League finals, but one I am particularly keen to experience is an Asian Games because their style of hockey is so different to European hockey. It’s a bit of a challenge which always keeps you on your toes!”

 

Scottish umpire Sarah Wilson’s impressive performances at the recent World League Semi-Finals and Champions Trophy last December have been rewarded with her promotion to the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) World Development Panel.

The World Development Panel includes FIH Grade 1 umpires who have shown the potential to progress to the World Panel, the highest standard of officiating in international hockey. Additionally, those individuals elevated to the World Development Panel are considered to be ranked in the world’s Top 20 umpires.

ScoW_Wal_116

(Scottish umpire Sarah Wilson. Photo Credit Duncan Gray)

Commenting on her promotion, a happy Wilson said, “I feel very honoured. There are only nine women on the World Development Panel and eleven on the World Panel. It is such a reward for all the hard work that has been put into getting this far. It was a real surprise to be promoted so quickly, as I only got my Grade 1 after my performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last year.”

Chair of Scottish Hockey’s International Appointments Committee, and 2012 men’s Olympic final umpire, Ged Curran added, “Another official involved at the highest level can only be good for Scottish Hockey. Sarah is a role model for other women officials and she is going to be involved in all major tournaments in the coming years.”

As one of the youngest umpires promoted to the Panel, the 26 year-old’s rapid rise in the FIH grading system has been impressive.  She can now look forward to being considered by the FIH for appointments to the world’s top level tournaments on a regular basis,

“This promotion gives you more exposure to high level tournaments”, added Wilson. “You are deemed to be an experienced and capable umpire to play a crucial role in allowing the players to play the best hockey they can, but also work as part of a team and help develop other young umpires.

“I think the promotion gives you more confidence and belief that you have the trust of the Umpires Mangers, Tournament Directors, the coaches and players. It makes your ambitions seem more realistic.”

scf_Gro_MCW_001

(Sarah Wilson, centre, is aiming for the Rio Olympic Games next summer. Photo Credit Duncan Gray)

Wilson is one of two Scottish umpires, Martin Madden being the other, who are currently on the Road to Rio Programme, a programme for umpires who have the potential to be selected to the Olympic Games in Brazil this summer.

And with the Games less than a year away, thoughts are turning towards what could be another successful summer for the former Scotland U21 international player, “I have been so fortunate to have already been to some incredible tournaments that were once only an ambition.

“I am down to the final 24 for selection to the 2016 Rio Olympics where they will take 16 or 17 [umpires]. I really didn’t expect to be in the running until the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 so I feel very excited about this opportunity”, said Wilson.

This summer, Scotland’s top female whistler will travel to London to fulfil her appointment to the EuroHockey Nations Championship, which will be another fantastic achievement to add to her ever-growing CV.

However, as Wilson was keen to emphasise, it’s not just European hockey that is on her list of ambitions,

“I would love to do a World Cup and World League finals, but one I am particularly keen to experience is an Asian Games because their style of hockey is so different to European hockey. It’s a bit of a challenge which always keeps you on your toes!”

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