From the 30th of June until the 9th of July, 51 Masters (veterans) teams in 4 age groups (35+,40+,45+, 50+ M/L) played their European Cup competition. More than 175 matches on five pitches and 38 umpires attended this venue. Axitour Communication Solutions supported the umpires, providing them with the newest generation of the AXIWI communication systems; 20 complete sets, loading docks and headsets were made available for this tournament.
“Rob listened ‘in’ at two of my matches and heard how I was communicating with the other umpires. He gave me valuable tips on improving and using the communication set more effectively. It gave me more confidence, and I was appointed to one of the finals!”
Clear communication
Umpire Manager Robert Kieboom (NED) was in charge of distributing the sets and explaining how to use them to the umpires. Umpire Nicolas White (ENG) said, “The AXIWI Rob brought to this tournament was high quality, the volume was easily adjusted, there was no interference between pitches, and it was easy to use. Also, the output (of the audio) was on a high level so that you could understand every word of your colleague or from the reserve umpire, even with background noises. The Dutch umpires were very helpful because they already are familiar with AXIWI systems. I’m considering buying myself a set for our National competition”.
Improving
Umpire Kathy Feart (NZL) comments: “In New Sealand, we only use the motorsets for communication, but this is a one-way system. Assessors or UM’s are not able to listen in. At this tournament, we were (as referees) all mixed up with the AXIWI, which helped me grow into the tournament. Rob listened ‘in’ at two of my matches and heard how I was communicating with the other umpires. He gave me valuable tips on improving and using the communication set more effectively. It gave me more confidence, and I was appointed to one of the finals! I will never forget this experience and the wonderful people I’ve met.
Also, the hockey teams were enthusiastic that all the umpires were working with the AXIWI system. It helped the umpires make better decisions and be more aware of tricky situations. Thanks again to Axiwi (Axitour) International for sponsoring this tournament and umpires. It made this European Cup one of a kind.
Robert Kieboom
INTERVIEW with Mark Clattenburg about the added value of using referee headsets – 19-05-2021
“It is what my wife says with a dishwasher. When you haven’t got one you don’t know the difference. But when you get one, it changes your life.”
