In the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup final, Frances Block (England) umpired her 100th international match. Frances was appointed to the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup as a neutral umpire. This tournament marks her second appointment as a neutral umpire for the Pan American Hockey Federation, the first being at the 2009 Women’s Pan American Cup in Bermuda.

 

PAHF did an interview Frances Block about this accomplishment and umpiring in general:

What was it like umpiring in your 100th international match at the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup?

Amazing. Very special moment to not just have your 100th match, but it be the final of a tournament and in that final is Argentina in Argentina. It’s a very lucky once in a lifetime experience.

What has been your most memorable umpiring moment?

Everything to do with the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Why?

One of many special moments was the cheer I received every time my name and country was announced at the start of the match because of being an umpire from Great Britain.

Why do you umpire?

For the challenge. To play a part in a level of hockey I would never be involved in as a player. To meet people from all around the world. To enjoy being a part of the great sport of hockey.

What has been special about being a neutral umpire for the PAHF?

To meet new people from a different part of the world. To enjoy the challenge of umpiring teams I do not usually meet. And to bring my experience to umpires in PAHF to help in any I can.

How did you get started in umpiring?

I did a lot of junior referring and umpiring qualifications when I was at school because my Dad encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. Then I played hockey and other sports until I had a car accident in 1996. From that point on, I couldn’t play hockey and so my teammates at my club suggested would I like to umpire their match next week. And that’s how it all started.

Advice for new or upcoming umpires?

To persevere. To listen to the feedback you receive. Develop a strong sense of self belief. And be the most mentally and physically prepared you can possibly be for each match. Then enjoy every experience you encounter.

Any special thanks you would like to give?

Special thank you to: Julia Gill, who I miss dearly; Jan Hadfield; Jane Nockolds; Peter Stiven; and all my colleagues at the NPUA.

I would also like to thank the following associations:
- Sussex HUA
- South HUA
- NPUA
- England Hockey
- Great Britain Hockey