Jeremy Coleman is only 16 years old, but he is already umpiring high-level senior hockey. 81269 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
EREMY Coleman not only plays for the Altona Hockey Club at junior level, he is also a dedicated umpire, and recently the 16-year-old hit the big time.
Coleman was called up to umpire his first State League One match, becoming the youngest man to ever do so at such a level.
The schoolboy has already officiated in numerous junior state and national championships as well as other Hockey Victoria senior competitions, but last Saturday’s match was a major step up.
“In the first half I felt more comfortable than in the second half because I felt there was more control in the game,” Coleman said after the match.
“It wasn’t faster as such; it was just more the temperament coming through.
“The players were complaining about individual free hits and that sort of stuff.
“I felt comfortable afterwards and there wasn’t much that I could’ve done better.”
Coleman began umpiring five years ago and continues to play, giving him a unique perspective on the sport.
When asked which of the two gives him more enjoyment, he said the challenge of umpiring was better than playing.
“Probably umpiring because it gives you a different view of the game,” Coleman said.
Like any sport, hockey can be a difficult game to adjudicate effectively, but Coleman says that’s part of the challenge.
“It’s a very high pace and highly technical, you have to have a lot of knowledge about the game,” he said. Coleman said he isn’t fazed by umpiring senior hockey at his age, and said he rarely feels the sort of pressure officials normally receive in other sports.
“I tend to get away with that sort of stuff because I’m bigger than your average 16-year-old.
“With the crowd you really can’t do much about them but you need to have a good rapport with the players and an understanding of the rules.
“Just like any other sport you just have to make sure you’re on top of your game.”
