Dabang Mumbai News

Forty Seven year old Mr. Craig Gribble who has recently been appointed as Umpires Manager of the Hero Hockey India League Season-2 is excited about his new assignment and feels that the inaugural season of Hero HIL has gained a significant level of exposure, television coverage and most importantly played a role in bringing together the world hockey community into an innovative competition.

Mr. Gribble aims to give the best pairings and best combinations to maximize umpires performance during a month long event that starts on 25 January 2014. He is also keen to develop the local umpiring panel so as to give significant amount of international exposure to Indian Umpires.

Questions

1- You were part of some major international events in the recent past including the London Olympic Games in 2012, Commonwealth Games 2010, Champions Trophy in 2012 and FIH World League Semifinals in Rotterdam 2013. How do you see your new role in Hero Hockey India League and what are the challenges you see?

My main role is to service the games as best as possible with the umpires from the panel. It is important to get the best pairings and the best combinations to maximize umpire performance and to get the correct interpretations for the game.  In addition, I want to develop the umpiring panel, especially the local umpires who have not had a significant amount of international exposure.

2- What’s your opinion about the HHIL?

I think the HHIL is an exciting new concept that will enhance the sport and create opportunities for players, coaches and officials.

3- What are your expectations from Hero HIL Season-2?

A higher level of understanding between all participants.  A well organized, exciting competition that sets new standards for the league in the future.

4- You have worked with the newly appointed Tournament Director of HHIL Mr. Bjorn Isberg in the Olympic Games 2012 and Champions Trophy 2012. How was your experience working with him?

Bjorn is a world class Tournament Director and I am always pleased to be appointed to a tournament with him.

6- Which was your first tournament as Umpire Manager and in how many matches have you officiated as an Umpires Manager?

I have been an Umpire Manager in New Zealand for many years. I carried out the Umpire Manager role in many international tournaments, however, my first big international appointment was the last Junior World Cup held in Singapore and Malaysia.

7- You have been to India for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in 2012. How do you rate umpiring in India?

The Qualifier in India was excellent. Our accommodation was great and I really enjoy the facilities at the stadium in New Delhi. There was some great hockey played at the tournament and the final saw India as the home team go through to London – a fantastic result for the home team.

8- What are the preparations you recommend for an umpire before going to the tournament?

It depends on where umpires come from. If they come from cold climates, they must do extra physical preparation to get through the demands of a tournament held in India. Mentally, they need to be well prepared including plenty of lead up matches and watching current video interpretations of new rules and modern hockey aspects.

9- Umpires come from different continents in Hero HIL. How tough it is for an Umpires Manager to ensure team spirit among the umpires?

If the umpire group is prepared and keen to learn, building a strong team is much easier. However, there are always disappointments such as injuries that need to be managed. I hope that I can provide strong support for the group in this area.

10- How do you rate an umpire?

I will be assessing the umpires after each match and providing feedback to them. At the end of the tournament I will write an individual development and performance report for each of the umpires.

11- Elaborate your journey as an umpire?

I have been umpiring in New Zealand since the mid 1980’s. I umpired in the New Zealand national hockey League for 22 years. I was an international umpire for 10 years and officiated in 47 test matches. I enjoyed my time umpiring but I always knew I would move into the Umpire Manger role as I like seeing umpires develop their skills and get promotions to higher level tournaments.