Tuesday was my umpiring assessment for Level 1, having completed my 3 training games. David had offered to assess me, while umpiring the other side of the pitch. It was a top-of-the-table summer 1st XI league, so no room for error. As well as that, the A&C side had our county disciplinary officer, Mark, playing, who is also a good umpire. After a slightly dodgy start, while I got into the pace of the game, it didn't go too badly, and I'm pleased to say I was passed. Mark and David briefed me at the end on what I had done well and not-so-well: need to use my voice more, and need to improve my presence and commanding signalling. Actually I really enjoyed it, and it was definitely helpful to get some critique too, so I can get better. I know that a few others are being assessed over the summer, so hopefully we should be well equipped with umpires going forward.
This evening was the last of our family hockey evenings, which have proved very popular. Dan and I arrived a bit late, thus neatly missing the warm-up, to see Millie, aged 2? trotting onto the astro with her 18 inch stick, ready to play. She immediately realised that a pink top and shorts was not suitable and went to the bibs bag to put on a fluorescent orange bib, roughly the same height as she was. She then started repeating the word 'gum' as she batted a ball about: we had no idea what that meant though. I thought an adult ball was probably not ideal so I went off to get her a quikstiks ball (bigger and lighter and easier to hit for littl-uns). On returning with the ball for her Mum, she was looking very smug with her elder brother's black gum shield hanging out of her mouth; good to see that she has realised the importance of safety gear at such a young age.
Given it was our last summer session, we decided to get split into groups and get straight into some small games. It was very hot, so I thought that would be fine in lieu of a warm-up, though I was proved incorrect as I was completely stuffed by Ellie for the first goal inside ten seconds. As last week, after a refreshing drink, we had a 12-a-side (actually might have been 13, and as we had 3 goalkeepers, they were swapping round after each save or goal). I believe I saw some of the adults running (and falling over) at various points, but I'm pleased to say we were usually outclassed and definitely outpaced by the juniors. My side were again one down after about 10 seconds (Ellie again?), and looking like shipping more, but came back to equalise with the last hit of the game. I believe the goal was scored by my umpiring assessor David, who despite being a Level 2 umpire, had been previously breaking a fair few rules, but had come good at the end. Fortunately his son Hugo doesn't seem to have inherited any bad habits, and was frequently steaming down the right wing. Squash and Penguins (biscuits, that is) rounded the evening off.
With all this summer fitness work, I fully anticipate us being ready and raring to go for the start of the season, which is starting with a club-day on the 4th of September (more details soon). Have a great holiday and I'm looking forward to seeing you all come September.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Family evening a winner
As it is the close season, it has been a couple of months since my last post, for which I must apologise as I think you are supposed to be regular with them.
Last Thursday, and the one before we have been trying something new, which is to try and get parents to come along and try Hockey with their children, and maybe encourage a few to join us for the season proper. Many of the parents were previous players who put their sticks down some years ago. Years ago, I used to play on the left wing and I used to practice hitting the ball across the face of the goal while running flat out for our then centre forward Andy to deflect in (harder than it sounds, especially on grass). Thursday, Andy turned up with his daughter Hannah, along with 24 or 25 others. We split the group in two, one half 'beginners' and one half 'current players and pros'. We practiced a few of the new foundation skills recommended by England Hockey, Andy commented that it was very different to how he remembered it.
It was very hot and humid, so we had to break for drinks on a couple of occasions, and after the second break we got everyone together for a final full pitch match of 12 a side. Ages ranged from 7 or 8 I think, up to 50 (maybe more), pushing only for safety. I played at the back in order to make sure we weren't caught out by the opposition forwards Elizabeth and Mae (aged 7 or 8) who had decided to goal hang in the hope of bagging the winner, but then chatted nicely with my goalkeeper Jack.
The game raged back and forward with neither side able to achieve the breakthrough, and although very entertaining ended goalless following a last second save by Jack to deny Amy. Just before the end, the ball broke through to me and after intercepting it to prevent Elizabeth or Mae slotting home, I moved the ball wide to safety in preparation for a pass up the wing. In came Andy with a absolutely crunching tackle (foul), accompanied by a lot of laughter, and "It's alright, it's only you!" Now that's what I remember, and it seems the game hasn't changed so much after all.
Last Thursday, and the one before we have been trying something new, which is to try and get parents to come along and try Hockey with their children, and maybe encourage a few to join us for the season proper. Many of the parents were previous players who put their sticks down some years ago. Years ago, I used to play on the left wing and I used to practice hitting the ball across the face of the goal while running flat out for our then centre forward Andy to deflect in (harder than it sounds, especially on grass). Thursday, Andy turned up with his daughter Hannah, along with 24 or 25 others. We split the group in two, one half 'beginners' and one half 'current players and pros'. We practiced a few of the new foundation skills recommended by England Hockey, Andy commented that it was very different to how he remembered it.
It was very hot and humid, so we had to break for drinks on a couple of occasions, and after the second break we got everyone together for a final full pitch match of 12 a side. Ages ranged from 7 or 8 I think, up to 50 (maybe more), pushing only for safety. I played at the back in order to make sure we weren't caught out by the opposition forwards Elizabeth and Mae (aged 7 or 8) who had decided to goal hang in the hope of bagging the winner, but then chatted nicely with my goalkeeper Jack.
The game raged back and forward with neither side able to achieve the breakthrough, and although very entertaining ended goalless following a last second save by Jack to deny Amy. Just before the end, the ball broke through to me and after intercepting it to prevent Elizabeth or Mae slotting home, I moved the ball wide to safety in preparation for a pass up the wing. In came Andy with a absolutely crunching tackle (foul), accompanied by a lot of laughter, and "It's alright, it's only you!" Now that's what I remember, and it seems the game hasn't changed so much after all.
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