We are proud to celebrate Social Science teacher and TIC Hockey, Richard Baggs, who has recently been appointed to the FIH International Panel as a Technical Official, an outstanding achievement that places him on the international pathway of elite hockey.
While many spectators focus on the players and umpires on the turf, there is another team working just metres away, the Technical Officials. Positioned at the sideline table, they are effectively the “command centre” of the match, ensuring the game runs smoothly, safely, and strictly within the rules.
The Three Key Technical Official Roles
The Technical Officer – The Match Manager
The Technical Officer oversees the entire match environment. This includes:
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Managing pitch preparation and ensuring player safety
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Coordinating team and umpire entry onto the field
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Overseeing shoot-outs in tiebreak situations
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Monitoring team bench conduct to ensure respectful communication
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Managing substitutions, suspensions, and injury breaks
In essence, they ensure the game flows seamlessly from start to finish.
The Scoring Judge – The Record Keeper
If it’s not recorded here, it didn’t happen. The Scoring Judge captures the official story of the match by:
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Logging all match data into the Tournament Management System (TMS) in real time
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Recording every goal — scorer, timing, and type
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Tracking disciplinary cards (green, yellow, red)
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Verifying that players on the field match the official team sheet
Accuracy and attention to detail are critical in this role.
The Timing Judge – The Timekeeper
In a fast-paced sport like hockey, every second matters. The Timing Judge ensures the game clock is precise, particularly during stoppages, penalties, and critical match moments.
What This Appointment Means
Richard’s promotion to the FIH International Panel opens the door to selection for continental and invitational tournaments. It represents the first step on the international officiating ladder.
Above the International Panel sit two higher groups:
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Centre Panel Officials, typically selected for Olympic and World Cup Qualifiers, Junior World Cups, FIH Pro League matches, and the Commonwealth Games.
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Leading Panel Officials, the elite group eligible for Olympic Games and World Cups.
Richard shared that while selection for an Olympic Games would be a dream opportunity, he recognises there is significant work ahead. Continuing to develop his knowledge, embracing every opportunity, and performing consistently at international level will be key challenges as he progresses.
This achievement reflects not only Richard’s deep understanding of the game but also his commitment to excellence beyond the classroom and our own hockey programme. We congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to following his journey on the international stage.
