SIMON Thresher has umpired a handful of international matches, but never done a Trans-Tasman test series before.
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The Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association president has returned home after an enjoyable three-game stint on the Gold Coast.
He umpired the Australia-New Zealand men's 35s series and said as an official you always had to keep learning.
"I've done internationals before, but not Trans-Tasman so it was good to do one on home soil," he said.
"When you umpire at that high level you always have to be open to feedback because if you're not you'll get left behind."
Thresher said there were significant differences from umpiring at a high level compared to what was required locally.
"At that (high) level it's more about the nuances of the game because you're protecting the skill level of the players," he said.
"Locally it's about player management whereas at Trans-Tasman level it's about game management."
While the matches featured the "typical Australia-New Zealand rivalry", Thresher said it was an enjoyable experience.
It allowed him to continue to develop his relationships with the players.
"I know most of the players in the teams, so umpiring up there helps you build on that rapport you start," he said.
"When you umpiring up there you always concentrate on different things."
Meanwhile, Port Macquarie duo Ash Grummitt and Russell Clucas both won their divisions with the Australian team up in Queensland.
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