Eduardo Ruiz passed away a few months ago. Argentina, the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will sorely miss him, an excellent person and possibly the best umpire international hockey ever had.
Eduardo was a gentleman and an excellent umpire, unassuming and always opened to learn from others. He was a pleasant individual to be around, always simple in his ways. The greatest players respected his decisions and his vast knowledge of the rules of hockey, and appreciated his firm but gentle way of managing a game.
His passing at the relatively young age of 55 years has left a void in the umpiring knowledge bank within our continent, and indeed the world. But we will always remember his style, pleasant smile and humility, on and off the field of play.
He had a very good run.
His umpiring career spanned two decades, as follows:
| - International Outdoor Umpire No. 688 - International on 24 April 1979 - Grade 1 on 18 October 1984 - World Cup/Olympic Panel on 18 October 1985 - International Indoor Umpire No. 64 - International on 14 April 1989 Umpired at: - 3 World Cups in London (ENG) 1986, Lahore (PAK) in 1990, Utrecht (NED) in 1998 - 4 Olympic Games in Seoul (KOR) in 1988, Barcelona (ESP in 1992, Atlanta (USA) in 1996, Sydney (AUS) in 2000 - 2 Champions Trophies in Amsterdam (NED) in 1987, Adelaide (AUS) in 1997 - Outdoor Internationals: 110 (87 Senior & 23 Junior) - Indoor Internationals: 8 (3 Senior & 5 Junior) Retired in 2000, following umpiring the PAK v AUS Bronze Medal match at the Sydney Olympics |
Thank you Eduardo for all you allowed us to share with you. You will always be a point of reference as umpire, instructor and principally the great person you were.
