Miami (PAHF)- The Pan American Hockey Federation hosted the first of two regional seminars (one english and one spanish) over the weekend of 10-12 December, 2010 in Miami. Jane Nockolds conducted the english speaking seminar that was a bit different than many participants had experienced in the hockey world before.
The goal of the PAHF is to hold two seminars in which all levels of FIH umpires (WDP to one FIH tournament) would feel comfortable in learning from others and participating in their native tongue. This allowed the event to be highly interactive, and encouraged participants to think of the big picture and how they are in control of their destiny. This was far from the traditional lecture circuit as Jane encouraged teamwork and group presentation as means of facilitating the learning experience.
Umpires of various experience levels were called up front and put on the spot for a session of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly where sharing experiences provided different or renewed perspectives on the game, the tournaments, or the friendships that form. Even the session pertaining to the rules became a Quiz Show like challenge where the vague rules recently changed or careful wording of questions invoked a slightly different learning experience through research, debate and laughter.
The seminar for spanish speakers will be held 8-10 July in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Participants:
Dani Brown (USA)
Nku Davis (Trinidad & Tobago)
Maggie Giddens (USA)
Susie Gomes (Trinidad & Tobago)
Amy Hassick (USA)
Devin Hooper (Guyana)
Stephanie Judefind (USA)
Jason King (Barbados)
Ayanna McClean (Trinidad & Tobago)
Megan McLennan (Canada)
Emma Simmons (Bermuda)
Gus Soteriades (USA)
Wendy Stewart (Canada)
Suzi Sutton (USA)
