In an effort to improve the level of umpiring on the island the Bermuda Ladies Hockey Association (BLHA) has employed the services of Canadian Ken O'Connor in conducting an umpires clinic this week.

O'Connor, originally from Australia, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to local shores.

From 1977 until 1990 he oversaw 60 international matches including one at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

He announced his retirement from the top flight following the 1990 World Cup held in Lahore, Pakistan.

Still active in Canada, where he is the vice-president of the Umpires Association and coaches a boys under 16 team, O'Connor landed on the island as a result of the BLHA's request to the Pan American Federation for assistance in upgrading the standard of umpiring on the island.

O'Connor, having conducted similar clinics in Trinidad and Canada was deemed the man for the job and was welcomed here with open arms.

"The BLHA feel that they need to improve the umpires they already have and get some new ones started,'' said O'Connor, who also played at the provincial level in Canada during the 1970s. "In order to improve the game you have to have a good level of umpiring.

"There also needs to be an understanding between umpires and players in order to allow development on both sides.

"Too often you find the umpires in one camp and players in another. But it is essential to maintain dialogue between players and umpires about the rules and their interpretations.'' To this end three classroom sessions and the same number of practical, on-field classes have been orchestrated where pupils have been put through a number of drills including staged situations that may or may not call for umpire involvement.

"The two main problems are the lack of experience and confidence,'' said O'Connor.

"And another thing I find happening a lot in the Americas and smaller countries like Bermuda is the tendency to develop their own interpretations and misrules,'' he said.

"It is important to maintain the international standard of interpretation.'' O'Connor expressed pleasure at the keenness and commitment shown by those taking part in the clinic.

However, he noted that this was just a preliminary step in the development of umpiring on the island and must be continued if higher standards are to be attained.

At present Sue Lee is the only local to have achieved the international badge.

"He's brought a whole new appreciation for umpires in our sport,'' were the words of BLHA president Judy Siddle.

"Everybody's really enjoyed it. He's helped them better understand the game as well as the job umpires do.

"One of the main things we want to do here in ladies hockey is to improve the level of umpiring along with the level of play.'' HE KNOWS THE RULES -- Canadian umpire Ken O'Connor shares a laugh with BLHA president Judy Siddle, left, and Ann Mailer at National Sports Club where he is conducting a field hockey umpiring clinic.