MALiK UMpiRE Of THE yEAR 2008
GARy SiMMONDS
What makes a good umpire? do not respond to what you as an umpire are
One who has a complete understanding of trying to achieve. One match at the under 21
what the players are trying to do on the pitch, Africa qualifier in Cairo stands out between
and how you use this understanding to man- Egypt and Ghana. A red card and a few yellow
age the game. Anyone can read a rule book ones left a bad taste in my mouth after the
but how you apply the rules and manage the game.
players is probably more important.
What is your fitness training?
Why do you think you won the award? I am sure the guys who have umpired with me
I have had a pretty good 12 months which reading this will be chuckling at your ques-
started in KL at the Champions Trophy where tion. Prior to the build up to Beijing I relied on
I got a late call up when the tournament was a bit of road work before a tournament with
moved from Lahore. A few things worked out lots of match practice. I did however go and
for me there and umpiring the final meant I see a biokineticist in my build up who sug-
cracked the nod to go to Beijing. After Beijing gested a few “core” and strength exercises.
UMPIRING
I was appointed to the World Panel which
capped off a great year. The Olympics is what Which rules do you hate the most?
all umpires aspire to and it has been a roller Wow hate is such a strong word, I never really
coaster year something I never thought was understood Aussie Rules Footy, does that
possible. count? Hockey wise I think the one that to
me seems a bit inconsistent is the use of the
What’s the most difficult match you umpired?
stick above the shoulder. I find it strange you
Umpiring Internationals with quality teams
can use the stick above the shoulder to save
and quality players is probably easier than
a goal but not in open play. Perhaps it should
umpiring a Sunday afternoon lower league
be allowed subject to danger.
game. Yes there is more pressure and you
need to look out for different things but the
really difficult games are where the players
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