Vale Vern Gooch

The Western Australian hockey community is in mourning following the passing of Life Member, Vern Gooch, who died recently.

Vern enjoyed a deep, lengthy and celebrated connection with hockey across more than 70 years – highlighted by significant achievements as a player, umpire and tournament official.

He began his career playing hockey for Wesley College in 1949, represented Western Australia from 1955 to 1958 and moved into umpiring following a retirement from playing at A1 level in 1962.

As an official, he achieved a great deal – including as a Tournament Director in under-age, Masters and International events.

Vern was a founding member of Hotspurs, obtained Australian and International badges and was WA State player representative #149. He remained active in the hockey community until his final years, umpiring Wednesday afternoon veterans, schools competitions and tournaments and more.

Vern was ever-present around Perth Hockey Stadium and filled a number of roles around Hockey WA. Vern was proud to call Perth Hockey Stadium his second home.

Hockey WA sends its deepest condolences to Vern’s family, friends and colleagues.

VERN GOOCH (1932 - 2022 ) – A SHORT HISTORY IN HOCKEY, WA

· 1949 Started playing hockey for Wesley College

· 1951 Played for University Junior Majors, State U 21s

· 1952 Awarded Half Blue from UWA

· 1955-58 State rep

· 1958 First umpiring exam – photo att, was this the first exam ever?

· 1962 Officially retired from A1 playing

· 1975 Continued to umpire at A1 level

· 1982 Technical Delegate to PacRim Veterans carnival

· 1983 Played last game of hockey (Vets)

· 1983 Tournament Director – U/15 (Alice Springs)

· 1985 Tech Bench for Champion’s Trophy exhibition game

· 1986 Vets Parry Black Swans Tour to UK – Umpire

· 1987 National Master’s Championships – WA Umpire (Hobart)

· 1987 International Veteran’s Tournament – Aust. Umpire (Hobart)

· 1988 Aust. Bi-centennial PacRim Masters – Technical delegate

· 1990 Award of Merit at Olympian’s dinner

· 1990 Veteran’s PacRim Tournament – Aust. Umpire (Hong Kong)

· 1993 Master’s Games – Tournament Director (Perth)

· 1993 Employed at Perth Hockey Stadium