Last week, the members of the new Umpiring Advisory Group (UAG) were announced; the Group, working under the guidance of the Officiating Advisory Group and National Lacrosse Committee, is responsible for leading on the strategy for the future of umpiring in England.
It provides guidance and expertise on the application of rules for the domestic game, works with regions to promote umpiring across the country, and acts as a point of contact for any relevant umpiring issues.
One of the newly appointed members, 16-year-old Sienna Parekh, told England Lacrosse that it’s important to have a diverse range of people in the Group.
“The rule changes affect my game directly, so I feel as though I can provide a first-hand account on the game at a school/club level where there may be less representation in the Group”.
Sienna first started playing lacrosse after one of her teachers suggested she attend a summer camp and she hasn’t looked back since!
“One of the PE teachers in my school had a summer camp where we could try out lacrosse, so I joined in year five.
“Funnily enough, I tried out being a goalie in that camp too. Six years on and I still play in goal for this club, at my school and on the England Lacrosse Talent Pathway”.
It is quite unusual for someone so young to want to become an official but Sienna says it’s all about her being able to understand the game in a more nuanced way.
“Lacrosse has become such a big part of my life and I have a great passion for playing the sport; I wanted to start umpiring in order to gain a deeper knowledge of the game (but also to find another excuse to be on the pitch 24/7!)”.
She says that being a member of the new Group will allow her to showcase her communication skills as well as change the game of lacrosse for the better.
“Being one of the youngest members of the Group, I hope to gain experience in communicating in a professional setting with others as well as gaining a deeper knowledge of the game”.
In reaction to the appointment of the new members, the Chair of the Group, Paul Bibby, who was appointed last month, said:
“Members of the Umpiring Advisory Group are directly involved with clubs, schools and universities across the regions. The umpiring experience within the group ranges across all five levels of qualification.
“The Umpiring Advisory Group provides the opportunity for people from all regions and factions of the game to receive information from and provide information and feedback to it”.
For more information about the new Group and its members, click below: