NZ's International Umpires
Umpires are an integral part of any rowing regatta to ensure the fairness of racing and the rules of rowing are followed.
At any World Rowing regatta, umpires are brought in from around the world to carry out a variety of roles including the start, the finish of races, fairness, protests, progression of boats through the regatta and many more.
Umpiring is organised by the World Rowing Umpiring Commission. They hold regular on-line clinics designed to introduce participants to World Rowing and the World Rowing Rules of Racing.
To become a World Rowing umpire there are written and practical exams to complete. With retirement compulsory at 70 years of age, World Rowing is always looking for umpires to upskill and sit the exams.
New Zealand has a great history of our umpires going on to become qualified to umpire at World Rowing regattas.
New Zealand World Rowing Umpires:
- Charles Saunders - retired
- Fred Strachan - retired
- Donald Croot - retired
- Bernard Walker - retired
- Lloyd Hosking - retired
- Edward Martin - retired
- John Simmons - retired
- Harry Lamplugh - retired
- Antony Johnson - retired
- Syd Broadley - retired
- John Wylie - retired
- Clifford Buchanan - retired
- Brian Parr - retired
- Royce Wilson - retired
- Lee Spear - retired
- Drew Tierney (qualified 1999)
- John Hatwell (qualified 2009)
- Roger Milne - retired
- Simon Walker (qualified 2009)
- Vanessa McIver (qualified 2011)
- Sophie Strachan (qualified July 2023)
- Stephen Brine (qualified July 2023)
- Lauren Farnden (qualified July 2023)
- Mary Birch (qualified July 2023)
*Bold - current