Umpire Update
Umpire Refresher Event 2021
The annual Umpire Refresher Event took place at the beginning of September, in preparation for the opening up of our rinks and a full calendar or events. We dusted off the cobwebs, dug out the rule book and gathered online to celebrate the start of the new season.
Scottish Curling Chair and past convenor of the Umpire Committee Graham Lindsay officially opened the event with a warm welcome to everyone, and recently appointed Head of Development, Maggie Wilson took us through the most updated COVID guidelines laid down by the Scottish Government and sportscotland.
Setting the scene for the rest of the morning were our guest speakers and current Scottish Curling Future Leaders Harry Gow and Kyle McLain who were ‘Youngsters at Large’! Harry and Kyle described with passion and humour, their experience at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship at Curl Aberdeen.
Along with Andrew Cromar (who was unable to attend the Refresher Event), the three Future Leaders reminisced about the build up to the event, the COVID testing and isolation in a hotel room that they had to endure, and all before the competition started! During the event they were asked to time and take stats. Their ‘bubble’ life and hard work was paid off with experience learned, a huge understanding and insight into how a World Championship is organized and meeting players and their heroes from all over the world who took time to share their stories and give advice.
When asked about working in a team Kyle summed it up beautifully: ‘I have played with some great teams but the team upstairs (every volunteer involved in the event) has been the best team ever’
The much requested video scenario session was recreated online for all the umpires. Thanks to all of the facilitators who managed this in the breakout rooms, it was a huge success. Once again the planning group came up with some super examples that challenged everyone.
Graham Lindsay closed the morning thanking everyone who took part and recognized ten timers and umpires who will be representing Scotland at various world championships this season including the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics 2022, WMDCC 2022, European A and C Division and Asia -Pacific. This cements Scottish Curling’s place on the map and gives our nation worldwide acknowledgement of our supreme officiating volunteers.
Some comments about the event:
“….as an umpire, you’re not alone but part of a team all striving for the same goal”
“Feeling part of an extended umpiring family”
“…enjoyed getting back into thinking about curling”
“The scenarios are hugely beneficial”
“….the chance to discuss scenarios was very useful”
“Understanding the umpire team is exactly that, a TEAM!”
SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR. FACE-TO-FACE!
