Mar 31 - Umpire Nathan Stagno Says He Sees Himself As An "Ambassador For Gibraltar"
Gibraltarian hockey umpire Nathan Stagno said winning the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Stars Umpire Of The Year award for 2015 is not just a big moment for him personally but for sport in general in Gibraltar.
He was presented with the award by FIH Board Member Marijke Fleuren at the Euro Hockey League KO16 in Amsterdam last Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Nathan said he sees himself as an ambassador for Gibraltar, adding: “Nobody [from Gibraltar] has gone to the Olympics except for one of my son’s friends, Georgina Cassar, in gymnastics.
“[Because of this] the Gibraltarians are very proud of who I am and where I have come from.
“Coming from a small place with about 200 players, receiving this award for being the best umpire in 2015 after doing 100 games, I am very proud to be a big ambassador for Gibraltar.”
Originally a player with his club, Collegians, Nathan started umpiring in 1997, before receiving his first FIH badge in 1999. From there, he moved through the grades, earning his place on the FIH World Panel in 2010 and has been on it ever since, officiating at the 2012 Olympics in London along with several other high profile events.
Nathan passed the 100-match mark in 2015, receiving his FIH golden whistle, while 2016 will be his last year of international umpiring. Indeed, he will finish on a high with appointments on the horizon at the EHL FINAL4, the Hockey Champions Trophy in London and finishing with the Rio Olympic Games in August.
He has become one of the most recognisable umpires on the circuit with his expressive style. At the EHL KO16 last Saturday evening, he was the umpire when Rob van der Horst scored a wonder goal; his signal for the goal was suitably emphatic, showing an empathy for a truly special moment. And he says that this is important in being one of the best umpires in the world.
Nathan adds: “Be yourself! I am Latin! You have to be yourself on the pitch. If something like moving your hands in a certain way on the pitch helps, you do it. You do not want to overdo it. The players accept it and respect it.”
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