How I became a Technical Official by David Rigby

For me, it all started at the conclusion of the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup in the summer of 2018 when in a moment of (drunken) madness I accepted an invitation to attend the annual “Plum Tournament” (a pre-season friendly event for National League teams) to learn about the role of a Match Official. “What’s one of those?” I said. Don’t worry, it will be “right up your street” I was assured.

So, a month later, I am sat in the café area of the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, being shown lots of bits of paper and some gadgets that I never knew existed. A shiny ring and something that looked like an oversized Monopoly hotel. Janet Sutton who was leading the training, borrowed a brand new hockey stick from reception to show us newbies how the gadgets work. Her face was a picture when the brand new stick failed the test with the “cathedral”, the real name for the monopoly hotel.

I must have done ok at “Plum” as within weeks I am stood next to a pitch with experienced match official Richard Barter saying “there you are, have a go at this game - I will be sat over there if you need me!”. Lured in by the prospect of a lovely dry dugout to stand in and a free tea every week (and travel expenses!) I agreed to give this MO role a go. With induction and assessment (thank you to Debbie Garner and Jo Pennycook) completed I was ready and raring to officiate national league games.

Some seven years later I have seen some amazing hockey and been an important part of the ‘third team” at numerous matches and tournaments, both indoors and outdoors. If you think being a Match Official might be a role for you then get in touch with the ATOL in your area.