New course set to bridge the gap between coaches and umpires
Published Fri 07 Feb 2025
In the fast-paced world of competitive sports, tensions between coaches and umpires are almost as common as the games themselves. But a newly developed course is setting out to change that narrative.
Hockey WA has developed Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Collaboration between Coaches and Umpires, a three-hour workshop focussing on improving communication and mutual understanding between coaches and umpires, fostering better collaboration and enhancing the overall game experience.
Participants can expect an engaging, hands-on experience covering key aspects of coach-umpire interactions:
- Understanding Roles: Presentations and open discussions will clarify the responsibilities and pressures faced by both coaches and umpi8res, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
- Communication Strategies: Role-playing activities and workshops will give attendees the chance to practice conflict resolution and effective on-field communication.
- Game Rules & Fair Play: A panel discussion will address common rule interpretations, ensuring both sides are on the same page and promoting fairness in officiating.
- Building Relationships: Team-building exercises will help strengthen partnerships, with a focus on fostering mutual respect that extends beyond the game.
By the end of the session, coaches and umpires will leave with:
- A clearer understanding of each other’s roles and challenges.
- Practical tools for managing disagreements constructively.
- Improved communications skills for handling high-pressure situations.
- A stronger sense of empathy and collaboration on and off the field.
- Shared solutions to common game-day challenges.
Sport coaches and umpires across the Mid-West region of WA will soon have the chance to enhance their on-field relationships, with a workshop scheduled for Friday 7 March at Geraldton Hockey Association.
The course will be open to coaches, umpires and other sports officials.
Whether you’re managing a team from the sidelines or making the tough calls on the field, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to improve their game-day interactions.
Hockey WA’s development and delivery of Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Collaboration between Coaches and Umpires, is proudly supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries.
