The presence of 2021-22 World Umpire of the Year, Coen Van Bunge, complements a list of experienced and elite local officials who will adjudicate at this year’s JDH Hockey One League season.
Widely regarded as one of the best umpires of all time, Van Bunge has officiated over 100 internationals in his 15-year career and will further diversify his global experience by taking charge of the Round 1 men’s match between Adelaide Fire and Brisbane Blaze on Sunday 8 October at MATE Stadium.
Purchase your tickets now to this year’s JDH Hockey One League and get behind your team.
In addition to Van Bunge being named the 2021-2022 FIH Male Umpire of the Year, the Dutchman umpired this year’s World Cup Semi Final between the Kookaburras and Germany (a tournament he umpired six matches in). Most recently, he umpired at the EuroHockey Championships and is also among the list of umpires who will officiate at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
“Coen being involved alongside our talented Australian group of umpires and officials is a great example of the JDH Hockey One League’s rapidly growing global presence, so we’re excited that he will umpire one of the opening round matches,” said Hockey One League Executive Manager Sash Herceg.
Recently announced Paris 2024 Olympic Games officials Josh Burt, Tammy Standley, Aleisha Neumann and Steve Rogers headline the panel of officials, that also includes Hockey Australia Hall of Fame inductee Julie Ashton-Lucy as an Umpires Manager.
Neumann was the world’s first female umpire to officiate a men’s international match and has received appointments to the Olympics, Women’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games. She leads a women’s Hockey One League panel that includes fellow Commonwealth Games umpire Rhiannon Murrie and Kristy Robertson, whose JDH Hockey One League experience will double as preparation for her appointment to the Junior Women’s World Cup in December.
On the men’s side, Van Bunge is joined by Rogers, who umpired the 2023 Men’s World Cup Final, youthful international prospect Tim Sheahan, and the two Australian umpires appointed to the Junior Men’s World Cup – Zeke Newman and Jim Unkles.
The 22 Umpires will be supported by an equally well-travelled Off-Field Official team.
Competition Directors Burt and Standley, plus Umpire Managers Minka Woolley and Peter Wright – all of whom have attended multiple Olympic Games – resume their senior leadership positions after being part of the 2022 season.
In addition, Umpire Manager Lynn Cowie-McAlister returns to the league following her appointment to the recent Oceania Cup, and experienced International Technical Officers Scott O’Reilly, Brent Brown, Greer Wells and Jenny Thompson are standouts among those trusted to manage technical proceedings from the touchline.
Full list of Umpires, Technical Officials and Umpire Managers for Women’s JDH Hockey One League.
Full list of Umpires, Technical Officials and Umpire Managers for Men’s JDH Hockey One League.