Margaret Lanning (Official)
Inductee Name: Margaret L. Lanning
Category: Official
Date: Class of 2018
From 1983 to 1996, Lanning was one of two umpires from the Americas to consistently be on the prestigious World Cup / Olympic Umpire List. A world-renowned umpire and administrator, Lanning represented North America in the 1983, 1986 and 1990 FIH World Cups and the 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.
As an FIH umpire, Lanning was assigned the gold medal matches at the 1986 and 1990 FIH World Cups and the 1987 and 1995 Pan American Games. Lanning was awarded the Bronze Medal matches in the 1983 World Cup and the 1989 and 1993 Junior World Cups.
In 1991, Lanning was the first Canadian and fourth women’s international umpire to be awarded the FIH Golden Whistle for umpiring in more that 100 international matches; umpiring in 137 international matches from 1981 to 1996. Lanning attributes her success to the valuable input of players, coaches, administrators and her fellow umpires.
Prior to moving to Ontario in 1985, Lanning was actively involved for 15 years within field hockey as a provincial/university athlete and a community/high school coach in Quebec being mentored by Betty Grant and Jassi Kular. Lanning then coached Ontario high school teams for 20 years and as true to form, her final umpiring game was the OFSAA High School Girls Provincial Championship taking her back to the grass roots of field hockey.
Lanning served on the Pan Am Games Umpiring Committee. She was an active volunteer in the Canadian field hockey community, serving in numerous capacities and was an important role model and mentor for aspiring umpires. Lanning’s philosophy has always been that you need to give back far more than you receive and as an umpire fairness and honesty leads to integrity.
Highlights include:
- International World Cup Olympic List Umpire 1982-1996
- Women’s World Cups 1983, 1986, 1990
- Olympics Games 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996
- Champions Trophy 1987, 1989
- Pan American Games 1987, 1995
- Junior Women’s World Cups 1989, 1993
- European Championships 1991
- World Student Games 1991
- 137 International Games 1981-1996
- CWFHA Honorary Member 1990
- 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal for significant contribution 1992
- Air Canada Official of the Year Award – Finalist 1991
