Mr. Dave Tomlinson Named Male Umpire of the Year by New Zealand Hockey
Congratulations to PNBHS Physical Education teacher Mr. Dave Tomlinson who was recently named 'Male Hockey Umpire of the Year' by Hockey New Zealand.
From the Hockey NZ website:
"Dave Tomlinson had another great year of international hockey before Covid-19 shutdown boarders. Prior to the pause in the international calendar, Tomlinson had amassed a whopping 97 international matches umpired.
Tomlinson grew up in Central Hawke’s Bay where there were plenty of sports to try, but he came across plenty of passionate people in the early days that convinced him to give hockey a try. Since he was a youngster, Tomlinson always felt the natural progression was to go back and help coach or umpire games.
Tomlinson’s involvement in the sport has been going on for nearly thirty years now and has seen him fill roles as a player, coach, manager, umpire and fan. He got his start in umpiring when he was in high school and progressed through Hatch Cup, U15 and 18’s through to the international stage. Tomlinson was on track to umpire his first Olympic Games in 2020 having been selected as part of a team of five New Zealander’s for the games.
Tomlinson states that he “loves the speed, skill and structure of the game”. Not only is he an umpire but he still plays the sport and gets out on the turf at every opportunity he can.
Hockey has gone through some significant changes during Tomlinson’s time in the sport such as “removing offside, carbon fibre sticks, reverse hitting, drag flicking, and g turns to name a few. The advancement of skills has made for a more interesting sport but also more challenging to officiate”.
On receiving the award, Tomlinson stated: “It’s an awesome recognition, we have a robust, supportive umpiring community. To be recognised amongst this group is pretty special”.
Tomlinson acknowledged the help and support he has been given along the way by the likes of Stuart Ashby, Craig Gribble, Dave Craven and his wife Jackie Tomlinson (also selected for the Tokyo Olympics). “Focus on the journey, not the destination” and keep “smiling” are pieces of advice that continue to ring true for Tomlinson.