March 14 2025

The Briefing

1. Confidence isn't fakery, it's keeping promises to yourself
2. FHU x West Hockey Officiating
3. Advanced Comms Webinar Series

1. Building Umpiring Confidence

An umpire in the FHU coaching program recently asked me how to build their confidence.
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This question comes up frequently in our community. Whether we're solidifying ourselves at a new level or are newer to the scene and looking for a confident foothold, we can all use the help.
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Let's skip the clichés like “fake it 'til you make it”. How about getting blinded by a little science?

What kind of promises can you make to yourself as an umpire? “I work through my pre-match chat card before every match with my colleague”, or “I arrive x minutes before every match and do y warm-up”, or “I double-whistle before every communication I direct at a player”.

These are small, attainable targets (some may call them SMARTER goals) that give you the opportunity to make your performance tangible and, therefore, something you can measure and reward.

Want to dive deeper into building confidence? This very accessible podcast from Mel Robbins is a great place to go next.

Are you going to find a promise you can make to yourself? Tell me about it, I'd love to hear how you get on!

2. FHU x West Hockey Officiating Development Night

I had an amazing time with some very fine folks in Plymouth, chatting about all things Mission-Critical Positioning and Control Elevator.

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If you're in the UK and are interested in having me pop 'round your place to do the same, let's make it happen!

3. Advanced Comms Webinar Series

I'm building a new series of mini-courses narrowed in on making your communications to colleagues, players, and coaches as efficient and effective as possible.

At the outset, this series is currently being presented to select members of the South Central umpiring group and to members of 3T Yellow. I'm covering Pre-Match, In-Match and Post-Match comms in quick, actionable webinars.

I'd like to learn whether there's an appetite for this outside these groups. If you're interested, join the waitlist now and receive a 20% coupon when the course launches!