Mike Marsh (swampy)
Hello
Swampy Marsh
Australia / CF - Oceania
About Me
My hockey umpiring career started before my playing career! I was introduced to hockey by my then-girlfriend now-wife Karz when I watched her play. One day, they were short an umpire, so they asked me to blow a whistle! I did not really now the rules then, some might say nothing has changed!!
Moving on from there, after many years umpiring in the New Zealand National League, Premier League in Melbourne, Australian Championships, countless European Masters Cups, and 4 Masters World Cups, I have had the privilege to umpire over 120 international masters' matches, including several World Cup Finals.
The highlight for me has to be the many fantastic friendships I have been lucky to forge with players, their partners, umpires, officials, and other hockey tragics around the globe!
In addition to playing, umpiring, and umpire coaching, I took a foray into coaching, and was the Head Coach of a Melbourne-based Club for 3 years; taking the team to the finals one year was an absolute highlight for me.
Given a "failing" body, I have moved back to Umpire Coaching, and look forward to trying to add value in that stream (although I will miss the on-field banter!!)
Masters Hockey is a tremendous way to stay involved in the sport we all love. From playing or umpiring in the local competition through to umpiring the Grand Final of a World Cup, it is all possible!
I have been a part of the WMH Technical Committee since 2020, and I am proud to do my part to ensure that we offer the highest quality product to the players, coaches and spectators of Masters International Hockey.
Moving on from there, after many years umpiring in the New Zealand National League, Premier League in Melbourne, Australian Championships, countless European Masters Cups, and 4 Masters World Cups, I have had the privilege to umpire over 120 international masters' matches, including several World Cup Finals.
The highlight for me has to be the many fantastic friendships I have been lucky to forge with players, their partners, umpires, officials, and other hockey tragics around the globe!
In addition to playing, umpiring, and umpire coaching, I took a foray into coaching, and was the Head Coach of a Melbourne-based Club for 3 years; taking the team to the finals one year was an absolute highlight for me.
Given a "failing" body, I have moved back to Umpire Coaching, and look forward to trying to add value in that stream (although I will miss the on-field banter!!)
Masters Hockey is a tremendous way to stay involved in the sport we all love. From playing or umpiring in the local competition through to umpiring the Grand Final of a World Cup, it is all possible!
I have been a part of the WMH Technical Committee since 2020, and I am proud to do my part to ensure that we offer the highest quality product to the players, coaches and spectators of Masters International Hockey.