Umpiring is broken

Umpiring is broken

From Studio Hockey by Studio Hockey

August 26, 2025 · 1h 3m · Episode 73

About this episode

Keely Dunn discusses the challenges and necessary changes in field hockey umpiring.

Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh sit down with the insightful and outspoken Keely Dunn—a former international umpire, founder of FHUmpires.com, and renowned “umpire whisperer” from Canada. In This Podcast: Keely shares her unique journey into field hockey and umpiring—how a tough moment in her teens propelled her into the sport and later to international tournaments around the globe. Have you ever wondered why Keely boldly claims "umpiring is broken"? Find out what drives her mission to shake up hockey’s third team and why she believes drastic change is needed for umpiring to keep up with the modern game. Keely reveals what sets her platform apart from traditional hockey associations and why even countries with strong umpiring systems rely on her expertise. The candid discussion about the realities and future of umpiring: professionalism vs. volunteerism. Keely’s takes on rule changes, including the offside debate, penalty corners, and why she believes aerial rules are about to transform the sport. Insightful perspectives on growing field hockey in Canada, the U.S., and across Asia—including how expat communities and cultural exchange could be the key to building the sport…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ernst Baart, Jaspreet Singh

Guest: Keely Dunn

Topics covered

  • umpiring
  • field hockey
  • gender equality
  • youth development
  • rule changes
  • professionalism vs. volunteerism

Keywords

  • umpiring
  • field hockey
  • Keely Dunn
  • rule changes
  • gender equality
  • youth development
  • FHUmpires.com

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FHUmpires.com

Places: Canada, U.S., Asia

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