Judy DeFrancisci’s Umpiring Journey at the Jersey Shore

Umpire Judy DeFrancisci (left) goes over the rules with the scorers table prior to a recent game.

By Laurie Temple, NFHCA Digital Communications Specialist

Manahawkin, NJ -​ When the umpires step out of the parking lot and summon the team captains, one stands out above the rest in the NJSIAA’s Shore Conference. That umpire is Judy DeFrancisci, affectionately known as “Judy D” across high school field hockey teams at the Jersey Shore.

A proud alumna of Montclair State University, where she played for the Red Hawks’ field hockey team, she has deep roots in the sport. After earning her degree in physical education, she took on the role of head coach for the varsity field hockey team at Brick Memorial High School in Brick, New Jersey, a position she held for 15 years. However, after stepping away from coaching for two years, she discovered a fulfilling path back into the sport: umpiring. That pivotal decision, made nearly 25 years ago, has allowed her to shape an enduring legacy in the field hockey community.

For the past two decades, she has served as both the referee assignor and head umpire for the NJSIAA Shore Chapter IV. In this dual role, she not only assigns umpires for middle and high school games but also officiates matches herself, embodying the spirit of the game she loves. In 2023, she was named the New Jersey Scholastic Officials Association “Official of the Year” for field hockey.

On a sunny Friday afternoon, we caught up with Judy D during a Shore Conference “A” South match between Lacey Township High School and Wall Township. In her element, she shared insights into her passion for the sport and her experiences as an official.

When asked what motivates her to continue umpiring, Judy expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s evolution. “I like how the sport grows and how the rules change,” she said. “The sport doesn’t stay stagnant—it keeps it exciting.” This dynamic nature of field hockey keeps her engaged and passionate about her role.

She has invaluable advice for newcomers to officiating. “Don’t let the mistakes you make beat you up,” she urges. “That’s what you’re going to learn from. We all make them—even the most veteran umpires.” She emphasizes that mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities, encouraging new officials to seek guidance from their more experienced counterparts.

Reflecting on her extensive experience, she noted a significant change in the game: the increasing speed of play and the elevated skill levels of athletes. “The growth of the game allows players to showcase their true athleticism,” she remarked, underscoring the excitement of officiating at this new level.

However, DeFrancisci has faced challenges as well. She highlighted a concerning trend: “Not enough umpires stay with the game, and those who do often don’t give themselves enough time to grow.” This attrition can discourage aspiring officials, but she remains committed to fostering a supportive environment.

For DeFrancisci, the greatest reward of her career is the relationships she has built with athletes. “Seeing some of the athletes I officiated for come back and now serve as coaches is incredibly fulfilling,” she reflected. “Witnessing their development and how the next generation gives back to the game is what makes this all worthwhile.”

Among her many experiences, DeFrancisci fondly recalls umpiring at the New Jersey Tournament of Champions semifinals with the renowned Jane Hansen. “She was the nicest person and helped ease my anxiety,” she shared. This experience not only taught her valuable lessons about mentorship but also underscored the importance of supporting younger umpires.

As DeFrancisci continues her journey at the Jersey Shore, her commitment to the sport and her community shines brightly. Through her leadership and dedication, she embodies the spirit of field hockey, inspiring future generations of athletes and officials alike.

We encourage everyone to help us honor our umpires during Umpire Appreciation Week – Sunday, September 29 to Sunday, October 6. Let’s show them all how much they mean to the game we all love. 

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