#Tokyo2020 Umpires Aleisha Neumann and Adam Kearns

Queenslanders Aleisha Neumann and Adam Kearns have been appointed as umpires for #Tokyo2020. They are the only Australian umpires appointed. Hockey Queensland had the opportunity to interview Adam and Aleisha ahead of the Olympics starting this week.

1. Adam, this is your 2^nd Olympics and although there have been many challenges, this must be a fairly special feeling to be attending the Olympics for a 2^nd time?

Any Olympics is special, so yes am very grateful to get a second opportunity. I’m a little less ‘rabbit in headlights’ and wiser, but also very focussed on performing to be my best and making the most of the opportunity.

I hope with all that has happened over the last 2 years that this Olympics can really be a special occasion in its own way for people to enjoy sport, our top athletes, and the theatre of the moments of high emotion. – Adam

2. Aleisha, this is your first Olympics and it is certainly one you won’t forget. With so many changes and challenges, how have you kept yourself focussed?

Lots of check lists! With a busy work schedule as well, it is the only way. We have lots to do not just to prepare to perform on the field but to just get into Japan. – Aleisha

3. Both, what do you think will be the biggest challenges you will face once you land in Tokyo, is there still an amount of unknown factors that you and your group will have to deal with just to get on the pitch and umpire your first game?

Just getting to Tokyo will be an achievement with the challenges everyone has faced around the world. Once we're there, being flexible and resilient to roll with the many dynamic challenges we’re expecting there to be.

The Olympics can be a hugely intense experience with so many outside distractions, we're still there to perform and do our role on the field. As officials, we expect we will regularly be appointed for more than one game on a day, umpire and maybe video umpire or reserve. So managing mental time out will be big, with long hours at times.

I think focusing on what works for myself and only trying to control what is within my realm that I can control will be important. – Adam

FIH have been amazing at keeping us in the loop with all the updates but there are still a few unknown factors. We will have daily testing and are limited to the hotel and field facilities. – Aleisha

4. Both, in your lead up to the Olympics, given the lack of opportunity to umpire at the International level due to the postponement or reduced number of Pro League matches, will there be any opportunities to umpire any practice matches once you arrive in Tokyo?

We arrive 3 days before matches begin; there are a few warmup matches but our schedule is very busy with briefings, getting uniforms, video room testing etc. So there is little time for warmup matches. My prep has been done before we get there. – Adam

The teams are arriving earlier than the officials so lots of the practice matches are before we arrive. However, there are some the day we arrive next week so I will share a game with 2 officials from other countries. – Aleisha

5. Both, how does the Olympics differ from other Hockey Tournaments, like a World Cup?

For our sport it's the big one, for those that don't watch hockey generally this our sports time on centre stage where the world watches.

My best memories are from some of the multisport tournaments I’ve been lucky enough to go to, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Rio Olympics, they have a special vibe with so many athletes around. It really is a unique occasion. – Adam

​Being my first Olympics I am not 100% certain. Originally, I would have compared it to a Commonwealth Games with multiple sports events, however we are now restricted to just the hockey venues. In regards to hockey standards and value it would be arguably the most important tournament in the hockey schedule. – Aleisha

6. Both, what do you find the most challenging and also most rewarding about Umpiring at the highest level?

The challenge of keeping up with the skills and tactics of the very best, to manage the games in a way to be fair but also if we do it well we can enhance the match and spectacle for hockey as a sport and product.

To do this, I have to know my own strengths and weaknesses in my personality and umpiring style through having the right preparation to be ready both physically and mentally. – Adam

Finding the balance. As volunteers we all have full time jobs to support our lives and finding the balance with commitments is often difficult. I am extremely fortunate to work in a very supportive school at Marsden SHS but balancing time off work with/without pay, using sick leave and long service leave to attend tournaments. As I still play at a high level, finding the balance to commit appropriately to both along with work and personal life can sometimes require some juggling. – Aleisha

7. Both, what would you say to someone who is watching you at the Olympics and being inspired by seeing you as an Olympic Official?

Enjoy the journey! My best memories are of the friends I've made and experiences had along the way. – Adam

Chase your dreams!! I first thought about umpiring at the Olympics when I was in year 12 and was thinking about the London Olympics.

It took a few more years than what I originally planned, but I am now going to be living the dream! I am 100% positive that my umpiring improves my playing and vice versa. It is great to give back to your sport and be able to help build the game. – Aleisha

Hockey Queensland is very proud of our two umpires, and congratulates Adam and Aleisha on their appointment!