John Handley

The son of a Solihull office furniture manufacturer, John Handley was a member of the local Olton Hockey Club and went on to become one of the leading British umpires. He was secretary of the Midlands Counties Hockey Umpires´ Association and later served on the executive committee of the Hockey Association.

A manufacturer´s agent by profession, Handley officiated at both the 1964 and 1968 Olympics, including Pakistan´s 3-0 win over Spain in the semi-final in Tokyo. At the Mexico Games four years later, Handley made a scathing attack on the organisation and facilities. He was also disgusted by the physical style adopted by some countries in team sports in Mexico, including hockey.