Wanri shares her love of hockey

SOUTH Africa is a nation of sports lovers, where athletes who achieve success on the field are revered as heroes and legends. However, such glory would be impossible without the hard work and dedication of referees and umpires and Wanri Venter, Thomas More College’s sports coordinator is one of these custodians.

Now in her tenth year of service to the school, Wanri has nurtured a love of hockey since her childhood in Stellenbosch. “I started umpiring during my first year at Maties in 2000 because learning to do so was compulsory, but I only really attended tournaments in 2004,” she said.

Wanri is an umpire and coach, but is also an active participant in the sport. “I enjoy hockey’s speed, fitness and physicality but most of all, the tactical aspect. The older you get, the more you rely on your experience.”

Officiating matches presents unique challenges because they are played at an ever-increasing pace. This makes the sport exciting for spectators, but requires umpires to be on top form at all times. “You strive to move constantly, so that you’re in the best possible position to make the right decision. When you umpire at a higher level, you need to trust your instincts because if you are unsure, you will miss the moment to step in.

“Often you’re like an actor on a stage; you need to sell your decisions using the tools at your disposal such as whistle tone, cards and body language. You need to earn the players’ trust by being calm, open to questions and confident.”

Since earning her international badge in 2014, Venter has umpired 22 international matches, most of them locally between South Africa and Belgium, Scotland, Australia and India. She has twice travelled to Kenya, the first trip she officiated for the Africa Cup of Nations then for the World League Round One, she also was chosen to oversee several international indoor matches during December 2015 between South Africa, Australia, US and Namibia.

Venter believes that the lessons she’s learned from hockey have carried over into her personal life. “I have learned to never give up and that the game is certainly not over until the final whistle. Friendships and other people’s feelings are more important than winning the game.”

Her next major event is the Junior World Cup in Santiago in Chile from 23 November to 4 December. She will also be helping co-ordinate the upcoming SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge at St Mary’s DSG next month.