With the impending retirement of current NCAA Field Hockey National Coordinator of Officials Steve Horgan, there was a pressing need to find his replacement soon. Tim Vaughan has been tabbed as the successor in the role, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He’s been on the ground as an umpire in the sport for over three decades, and has officiated some of the biggest field hockey games in the nation, including the NCAA Division I championship.
“I am honored to be appointed to the NCAA field hockey national coordinator of officials position. I look forward to working with the NCAA and the officiating community as we advance these championships and help make them a great experience for all involved,” Vaughan communicated. Via NCAA.org
Tim Vaughn has been named @NCAA field hockey national coordinator of officials.
— NFHCA (@NFHCA) September 2, 2021
Congratulations, Tim!
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/fJZLP1T3UG
While the announcement of the leadership change was recently made public, Vaughan will not start full-time in the role until the 2022-2023 season, as Horgan will serve out one last campaign. Horgan has had an exemplary career of his own, and was just part of the Tokyo summer Olympic games as one of four umpires managers in field hockey.
Later this year, Steve Horgan will attend the @Tokyo2020 Olympic Games as one of four Umpires Managers. 🏑
— USA Field Hockey (@USAFieldHockey) February 1, 2021
But what exactly is an Umpires Manager? In a special @FIH_Hockey interview, Steve gave some insight.
➡️ https://t.co/lnmxgb5GFL pic.twitter.com/FcuMcEOTQR
While Vaughan’s qualifications as an officiant of the sport are impressive and notable, he also deserves praise for the type of academic leader he’s been throughout his life. He brought home the 2021 Virginia VTEEA middle school Teacher of the Year award. Whether it’s in the sporting arena or the academic realm, Vaughan appears to have a good handle on how to educate and advance items for student-athletes.
“Tim is a teacher/mentor by trade and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the importance of this role and its impact on the championships of all three divisions,” summarized John Bugner, who is the NCAA associate director of championships and alliances. Via NCAA.org
Vaughan has certainly made a name for himself in the last three decades here, but he’s actually originally from Ireland.
