Green Whistle Project Trains Next Generation of Umpires
MANAHAWKIN, N.J. – This summer, the Green Whistle Project continued its impressive momentum, cultivating a new wave of field hockey umpires across the country through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Spearheaded by the NFHCA Sport Development Committee and championed by NFHCA Board Member and Vassar College Head Coach Annie Fowler, the project saw growth in 2025 thanks to collaboration from USA Field Hockey, Performance Sports Events (PSE), and a host of dedicated institutions.
Designed to support and encourage beginner umpires, the Green Whistle Project introduces a simple but powerful symbol: a bright green lanyard for their whistle. This visible identifier helps coaches, athletes, and spectators recognize and support new officials in a more respectful and welcoming environment. Through structured classroom sessions, on-field feedback, and mentorship, the initiative equips newcomers with the tools they need to succeed in officiating.
“I am thrilled about the growth of the Green Whistle Project,” said Fowler. “USA Field Hockey and Performance Sport Events were both great partners in helping the program expand this summer, providing valuable insights, feedback, and support. All of the host institutions were fantastic and enthusiastic partners, doing a great job of marketing the events within their communities, supporting our new officials, and connecting them with local resources to foster their passion for the game.”
The Green Whistle Pathway
Participants in the Green Whistle Project begin by attending a classroom session led by experienced umpire educators and assignors. These sessions focus on foundational knowledge, rules of the game, and key officiating techniques. From there, aspiring umpires gain on-field experience, applying their skills in low-stakes gameplay scenarios with the guidance of veteran umpires offering real-time feedback.
Graduates of the Green Whistle Project take their first steps into umpiring with confidence—and the tools to match. Upon completing a Green Whistle Clinic, each new umpire receives a signature green lanyard, whistle, and official umpire cards, provided by the NFHCA. These items not only mark their achievement but also signal their readiness to get on the field.
These new umpires are registered with USA Field Hockey and added to assignor databases, making them eligible for game opportunities. They’re also welcomed at PSE events and can continue growing through ongoing training and evaluations
A Summer of Growth
This summer, 34 participants were trained through Green Whistle Clinics hosted at five regional sites across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Each site provided a valuable opportunity to grow the pool of regional umpires. In Taunton, MA, the on-field emphasis made a strong impression
“We spent more time on the field than in the classroom, and each umpire showed improvement,” said Cheryl Bruttomeso, lead umpire educator for the MA site. “Having a standardized product is going to make the program stronger.
Kutztown University also embraced the initiative with enthusiasm. “We were so honored to host the Green Whistle Project at our annual summer field hockey camp,” said Kutztown head coach Marci Scheuing. “We are committed to helping the growth of umpires for our sport, and this project is the perfect way to show our support.”
As the Green Whistle Project continues to expand, its mission remains clear: create a supportive, inclusive, and educational environment for aspiring umpires.
For more information about how to get involved in the Green Whistle Project, visit here.
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.