'we take pride in what we do': the referees
By Anika Turcotte
Editor's note: Turcotte is a correspondent for VTDigger's Underground Workshop program for high school students.
Referee Lynn Vera speaks with a Montpelier High School field hockey player.
The match began to the sound of an electric whistle. Players on the bench were spread far apart, watching. The cheers of the spectators were muffled by masks. This was not a normal field hockey game.
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Lyn Vera has been officiating the sport for over 40 years, but this season she faced new challenges. Due to the pandemic, referees this fall were understaffed and officiating a dramatically shortened season. However, they remained dedicated to the sport they love.
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As the game began, Montpelier and Missisquoi players charged across the field at Montpelier High School, calling to each other as the ball rocketed from stick to stick. This year there was a new addition to the uniform: both players and referees were wearing facial coverings.
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“We wear masks, even though referees are exempt from it,” Vera said. “For safety as well as empathy.”
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The rules of the game had not been changed and the match was just as fast-paced as usual. Sharp whistles broke up play frequently.
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When referees wear masks, signaling with a whistle is impossible, so officials came up with a solution. The bright orange electronic whistle is held in a referee’s hand and a button is pushed to release the familiar shrill sound. This presents its own set of issues regarding “Whistle Talk,” a term used in the referee community to describe the intent of a signal varied through the length, tone and volume of a whistle signal.
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“When you are trying to emphasize a point with a player you don’t usually speak,” Vera said. The electronic substitute isn’t quite as flexible.
Lynn Vera (right) and Kristina Sickmueller officiating a field hockey game this fall.
The season itself was cut in half this year, with teams playing roughly seven games less than usual due to a late start in the season. The decrease was also linked to schools attempting to limit exposure to the virus.
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The Vermont Field Hockey Umpires Association (VTFHUA) worked closely with the referees. The organization held a Covid Protocol Training for their members and conducted their annual rules seminar virtually.
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The organization was also understanding about members backing out. “If people decided they really couldn’t umpire this season, they were certainly not penalized,” Vera said.
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Kristina Sickmuller, Vera’s partner overseeing the game, was leaving the match as players and fans headed home. She echoed Vera’s positivity towards the organization. The league’s leadership and communication had been prompt. “It’s exactly what we need right now,” Sickmueller said.
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Even with flexibility from VTFHUA, the organization lost referees to injuries, covid cases and quarantines. This left the remaining few spread thin.
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Vera is working games seven days a week. “Those of us who are working are working a lot,” she said.
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From the bench to the sidelines, players and parents were grateful for the referees sticking with the season.
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Cece Curtain, Captain of the Montpelier Varsity team, said she was glad that she was simply able to play. “I think they are doing everything right to keep us safe and happy,” she said.
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Reagan Walke, a middle school player watching the game, sat with her friends on the sideline. With restrictions in place she felt comfortable playing.
“We are socially distanced,” she said, “and I trust the people on my team.”
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During a break in the game Bob Berger watched the game from his folding chair, clad in Missisquoi Blue:
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“I am just very thankful we are able to come and watch them play.”