‘Let’s Whistle In’
This is an initiative under OHF’s Hook in4 Health Sport for Development Program.
It’s key objective is to recruit , train and recognise umpires and officials. There is a real push to provide encouragement and opportunity for girls, women and people with a disabiity to start officiating.
Each country has a designated lead for ‘Let’s Whistle In’ as in photos above L to R – Samson Auga (Solomon Islands), Hellen Kaweil (Vanuatu), Gabriella Kisipai (Papua New Guinea), and Lily Isaiah (Vanuatu). An example of the promotional material in PNG is below.
Success stories of note:
Change in respectful behaviours towards officials and umpires since the program has been introduced.
All three Federations have identified a major change in the attitude and behaviour toward officials. Previously it was common practice to surround umpires and argue over decisions, but since the program started in 2021 there has been regular sessions involving umpires, technical officials, coaches and players around understanding the rules, codes of conduct and safeguarding. This has resulted in a positive awareness of expected behaviours.
Increased Female participation as officials
As can be seen in the photo above the Hin4H Team in Vanuatu have been developing female umpires within 6 village communities. These communities all have a Mamas in Hockey Program which is integrated sessions where the women are encouraged to be active through hockey, as well as having health and well-being discussions. To enable the women to continue playing safely together on days when the Hin4H Team are not present, volunteers were trained to be able to umpire their games. Since 2021 the program has provided international opportunity to 3 of these women to umpire at an Oceania event.
Notable Individuals:
Hellen Kaweil (Van): Hellen (Top picture) is an example of a successful Mama who progressed from playing to umpiring and being selected to represent her country at the 2024 Pacific Cup in Fiji.
Brendan Nassam (PNG) : Brendan has a motor speech disorder and left school early feeling the pressure of discrimination for his disability. at 19 he was encouraged to take part in the weekend Hin4H sessions where he got involved in the Hin4H Let’s Whistle In Program, helping to time and manage games during club competitions. “Hockey makes me excited and happy to take part. I’m welcomed and supported by everyone”
The Solomon Islands Hin4H Program has only been running for a year however Samson Auga has been developing umpires and technical officials to run their new competitions as a result of a huge uptake of the program in the schools. The 2025 Pacific Cup will be held in Honiara and there will be opportunities for the new participants to gain more training and practical opportunities