It was not only the young ladies with hockey sticks at the 5th Pan American Junior Championships who will ensure a bright future for the Pan American Hockey Federation. Four young ladies sat behind desks and toting whistles were just as important to the competition.

A judge ensures that rules and regulations are upheld, must have a keen sense of the surrounding areas, in control of the time and ensures accuracy on each match report. Two university students were prime exponents of the art in Puerto Rico.

Twenty-four year old Yahnique Barrett, a Kingston, Jamaica resident saw her officiating as a foundation to her overall development. Barrett is presently a member of Raiders Hockey Club and is pursuing a degree in Electronics at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Paulina Campos a second year Public Relations student at the University of Vina Del Mar also sees this experience as a welcomed addition to her development. Campos' player career came to a premature end due to several injuries and her appointment as a judge will keep her involved in the game she loves.

Both Campos and Barrett hope to reach the highest level in the future.

The road to becoming an Olympic Umpire is long and challenging. First, you have to umpire enough local games to be appointed in a regional tournament. Should you perform consistently there, you will be given an International grade. Depending on your continued performance, you are placed on the Promising List, followed by Grade 1 status and then on to the World Panel and an Olympic appointment is possible. This is the dream of the Pan American Hockey youngest umpires Nadia Gallardo and Ayanna McLean.

Nadia Gallardo, 22, is already on the Promising List. Gallardo, who is from Cipollette, Argentina and has been umpiring since 2000. Gallardo attends National University of Cipollette and is pursuing a degree in Education, specifically Primary School Level. Nadia played hockey but is now concentrating on her umpiring career, which we endorse and look forward to watching her achieve her goals.

Ayanna McLean from Trinidad & Tobago has a model to follow as her mother; Cheryl Franco is a retired Grade 1 umpire. McLean attends Hofstra University in Long Island, NY and is pursuing a degree in International Business. McLean is a starting member of Hofstra University hockey team, Ventures Hockey Club and the Trinidad & Tobago National Senior team. Although an active hockey player, McLean's ultimate goal is to be an Olympic umpire and we wish her all the luck.