Mumbai: If you want the ground rules of hockey spelt out clearly, Dutchman Peter von Reth is by far the most authoritative voice in the world. Post signing on the best players, coaches and administrators in the world of Hockey, World Series Hockey has now enlisted the services of the renowned Dutchman as Sports Technical Manager of the prestigious League that gets underway from December 17.
A highly respected official, Peter has been an international umpire for almost 20 years and officiated 192 international matches, including three Olympics Games (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000) and two World Cups (Lahore 1990, Utrecht 1998). He has also been an International Hockey Federation (FIH) Umpire Manager and was in charge at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as well as the 2002 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. Peter has also served as the Chairman of the FIH Umpiring Committee from January 2002 to February 2009 along with being an integral member of the FIH Rules Committee
As a Sports Technical Manager, Peter will be responsible to appoint the technical panel required for the League, advice and assist in the conduct of all match officials in accordance with the rules and regulations of WSH along with the Technical Director of WSH, advice, assist and plan the video umpire requirements at each venue in addition to several other critical functions.
“It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with this League where a galaxy of stars will be exhibiting their skills and vying for the ultimate honour,” said Peter. “The League has much to offer to both players and fans and I am certain it’s going to be a humongous success,” he added
Karl Da Costa, Deputy General Manager Nimbus Sport said, “World Series Hockey is pleased to welcome on board Peter Von Reth, the worlds most accomplished official as Sports Technical Manager. The collective experience of Peter across the entire spectrum in top international tournaments is unparalleled and his appointment is another vital step towards building a world class league that will delight hockey fans across the globe.
Peter, has done a lot for the sport, besides being one of the respected umpires, he was instrumental in introducing the radio technology between match officials and played a major role in bringing a more professional approach in terms of umpire coaching through the use of video analysis.
The WSH will be held from December 17, 2011 to January 22, 2012 and will involve 176 leading players -- Indian and international -- who will showcase their talent in 61 matches. It will be a multi-city franchise-based League with players being allocated to the teams based on the internationally accepted and practised ‘draft’ system.
The inaugural edition of the league will comprise eight teams out of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Pune, Bhopal, Punjab, Ranchi and Rourkela.
Hockey players, for the first time, will have a global platform to exhibit their skills for which they will be financially rewarded. The legacy created by the planned upgrading of infrastructure across the country will benefit hockey for generations to come.
Some of the Indian stars who will be seen in action in WSH include Rajpal Singh, Sandeep Singh, Adrian D’Souza, Sardara Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Arjun Halappa, Diwakar Ram, Bharat Chetri, Dhananjay Mahadik, Shivendra Singh, Mandeep Antil, S.V. Sunil, Roshan Minz, William Xalxo, Prabodh Tirkey and Yuvraj Walmiki.
The star studded line-up ensures the league will be vibrant and competitive, drawing the global spotlight on India.
