Laurie Alcock Award

Jo Barnes made her mark in Nottinghamshire Hockey after being appointed for 14 consecutive years as a Coach to one of the girls County squad age groups.

During that period Nottinghamshire became one of the regular semi-finalists and champion county on several occasions. She encouraged parents and adult hockey club colleagues to support her and get involved in helping the Junior committee. Several did and took that knowledge gained back to their clubs and schools.

Involvement in the County Youth games and many other Hockey initiatives followed in Nottinghamshire. During every National, Regional and County Hockey reorganisation Jo ensured her voice and opinion were prominent in influencing change and especially supporting equity in involvement of state schools alongside the independent sector.

As playing and parenting days ended Jo discovered a new outlet for her hockey interest in becoming a Hockey Technical Official, got trained and started by being appointed to National League matches.

This role and a willingness to be part of administrative teams was recognised when she was seconded to the newly termed Officiating group overseeing the transition from Region to Area where she helped ensure the effective formation of the Midlands Officiating Committee with strong recognition that the “unknown” role of “Technical Official” became part and parcel of the new administration.

The role of Area Technical Officiating Lead (ATOL) was born and would continue to be championed by Jo to this present day.

Jo set up training for club officials to ensure they were ready when required to provide one and on behalf of England Hockey Technical Appointing Panel (TAP), recruited and trained many new officials who have joined the England Hockey ranks. Midlands is regarded nationally as being in a very safe pair of hands.

Jo has also been accredited as a National Tournament Director (TD) and since establishing herself shared her knowledge driving the recruitment and training of new TDs within Midlands.

Involvement in Master’s hockey at International level has also brought recognition in appointments as an assistant TD at World Cup outdoor and Indoor events and the 4 Nations outdoor.

Turning up 13 years ago to help on “the table” at a Schools Indoor finals Jo was spotted and immediately recruited and appointed to organise the Midlands Indoor Schools competitions the following year and no surprise to many has done this for the last consecutive 11 years. Jo also co-organises and supports and guides others in running the Junior Club Indoor Events.

A huge thank you and congratulations to Jo from all at Midlands Hockey.