The Faces of Australian Officiating: Rhiannon Murrie
An accomplished international umpire, Rhiannon has represented Australia on the world stage and continues to make a significant contribution to the game, more recently, as an Umpire Manager.
We're continuing our series profiling some of our very own Australian officials, this edition featuring Rhiannon Murrie. An accomplished international umpire, Rhiannon has represented Australia on the world stage and continues to make a significant contribution to the game, more recently, as an Umpire Manager.
How did you first get into umpiring?
My dad. He has been involved in hockey, and umpiring, for a long time and has taught me a lot. As a junior, I would frequently get frustrated with the umpiring of my games and was a bit of a brat, so my dad challenged me to pick up a whistle if I thought I could do a better job. Well played, dad.
How long have you been umpiring, and what levels have you officiated?
Over 20 years. I've umpired premier league in both Adelaide and Melbourne, as well as going through the national pathway and umpiring at Australian Hockey League/Hockey One level for over 10 years. I even did a season in the German National League (the Bundesliga). I was also privileged to have a decade-long international career, where I reached the High Potential Panel and umpired tournaments like the Commonwealth Games, World Series Finals and Youth Olympics.
What’s been your proudest moment on the field?
Probably stepping out to do England's opening match at their home Commonwealth Games in front of a huge sold-out crowd. I'd been working hard towards that goal for a long time, and the realisation of having achieved it was pretty special.
How do you get ready for a match—any pre-game routines?
Pre-game chat with my colleague, always! I also love to have a chat and a laugh with people before the game, especially the tech bench and the umpires from the game before - it helps to calm any nerves and ensures we're coming together as a supportive team.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an umpire, and how did you deal with it?
Managing myself and my mental health at the elite level. Elite performance expectations are high - both the ones we place on ourselves and the performance expected of top level umpires. I'm an ambitious high-achiever, so I am always chasing the best I can give, but having the patience to work on things that don't come naturally to me in order to grow and not progressing to the level I expect of myself is difficult for me. I had to work hard at improving my handling of high conflict situations, grinding through the mental side of fitness testing, and finding a way to bring more of my personality out on the field. Umpiring has taught me so much perseverance, resilience and grit. A mixture of sports psychology, leaning on my support network and having belief in myself were fundamental to working through these challenges. And ultimately knowing when the right time to step back was.
What do you enjoy most about being an umpire?
Being present, and facilitating amazing hockey. My brain is constantly running at a million miles, and I find umpiring to be one of the only times that I can truly be 'mindful'. The skill, speed, technicality and focus required to bring out the best in a game allows me to be present and turn down the dial on the rest. I also love the community of friends! There's something great about nerding out on a shared, niche passion and supporting and cheering each other on.
Do you play hockey? If so, what position?
I did for a long time, but not anymore. I played striker (mostly centre, because I'm basically a border-collie that only has eyes for the ball).
Any advice for someone thinking about becoming an umpire?
Do it! Take the leap! There's so much to learn and it's so fulfilling. It can be hard - you'll get things wrong and have to work through tough situations, but the rewards include being part of a wonderful community and building amazing friendships, as well as growing skills that you can transfer into every part of your life. You will learn so much about yourself, what you're capable of, what you can overcome and you'll get to be a part of some amazing hockey from the best seat in the house.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I have a PhD in physics.
If you weren't umpiring, what would you be doing with your free time instead?
More skiing 🙂
