Chris Wilson umpires at the 2011 National Championships

After the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Chris Wilson retired his international whistle.  Wilson has been an FIH International Umpire for 15 years - including three Pan American Games, two Commonwealth Games and two Junior World Cups - for a grand total of 89 international matches. 

Umpiring is truly a family affair for Wilson.  Both of Wilson’s parents, sister Jennifer and partner Denise umpired.  His mother was the first woman to achieve Canadian rating for both men and women at a time when they were separate programs.  Chris’ own umpiring career began at the local level in Victoria, BC – extending to the Vancouver League on the mainland.  He went on to become a Grade 1 “Crowned” International Umpire with the FIH in October 1996.  

Wilson's contribution to hockey extends well beyond umpiring.  He has assumed many roles within the Victoria field hockey community - board member and coach of his sons' teams in the Victoria Junior Field Hockey Association; President of the Vancouver Island Field Hockey Association; coach of several teams in the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association; mentor for dozens of umpires, many of whom umpire at the national and international today.  Chris continues to umpire locally and is an active player for the Rebels Club, a club founded in his parents' basement 40 years ago.