HAM

The Hockey Association Malta has reached an agreement with the Italian Hockey Federation on an Umpire Exchange Programme. Two local umpires will be travelling to Rome to umpire Division 1 matches whilst two international Italian umpires will be visiting Malta to umpire local matches.

David Agius, the HAM Secretary, said "we have been working on this possibility for a long time but it was not viable until the installation of the artificial grass pitch". "Our umpires hardly ever get the opportunity to see international matches, let alone umpire them".

This development will help improve Maltese umpiring and will provide a much needed boost for local players to appreciate international exposure and experience. This programme was made possible with the help of the Dr Ermanno Silvano, the Italian Umpires Manager. He was pleased that the Italian Umpires will have the opportunity to umpire in Malta as the experience will be beneficial to them as well. Whilst in Rome, the local umpires will also have the possibility to attend an umpires coaching clinic. The programme will not however end with these just two visits. An Umpires' coach is also planned to come to Malta to provide assistance with the development of local umpires.

The Italian Umpires will be staying in Malta between the 26th and 28th March, whilst the local umpires will be visiting Italy between the 2nd and 4th April.

For further information, details may be obtained from the website www.hockeymalta.com or write to info@hockeymalta.com

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