Secret Harbour woman Tammy Standley is set to make history when she becomes the first ever Australian to be handed the role of technical delegate at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London this August.
A crucial and eminent position, the office will see Standley responsible for overseeing the competition in its entirety.
Held every four years, the Hockey World Cup ranks alongside the Olympic Games as the most coveted and cherished prize in the sport.
Reflecting on her appointment, Standley – whose resume also includes officiating Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal matches – said she was honoured to have been given the role.
“I’m really surprised and quite humbled by it,” she said.
“It’s something I’m really proud of – there’s lots of other people just as capable and I’ve been given this amazing opportunity so now I need to prove that I deserve this opportunity.”
A primary school teacher by trade, Standley insists the experiences she faces in her day job have helped her ensure things run smoothly on the field.
“Being a teacher definitely helps. It’s the same sort of skills that are required,” the 41-year-old said.
“You’re working with people and working towards a common goal.
“The same things that help you as a teacher, things like communication and listening to people in order to make it easier for them to understand, are really integral.”
I’m really surprised and quite humbled by it
- Tammy Standley
Western Australia’s Shayley McGurk-Davy is also set to continue her already impressive officiating career to date when she takes up her role as a technical official at the Commonwealth Games, being held in April.
Incredibly, the 36-year-old, who is originally from Collie, will also become the second member of her family to feature at the prestigious global sporting event after her younger sister Kobie helped the Hockeyroos to win gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Both women are also hoping their achievements will inspire others to follow in the footsteps and help to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
“There’s lots of opportunities for female officials,” Standley said.
“If I can pave the way and Shayley can pave the way hopefully it shows that there’s this amazing pathway and opportunities out there and will encourage more people to become involved in officiating.”