Robin Howie Named FIL Men’s Rules Committee Chair

TORONTO, ONTARIO — The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robin Howie of Stockport, England as the Chair of the Men’s Rules Committee. Robin begins this position immediately and will focus initially on preparing rule change proposals for the 2016 FIL General Assembly in Coquitlam, Canada, 4-5 July 2016.

Robin brings a wealth of international lacrosse experience to his new role as FIL Men’s Rules Committee Chair, having worked at three world championships. Robin trained and organized all minor bench officials at the 2010 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship and 2012 FIL Men’s U19 World Championship. At the 2014 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship, he was the administrator for the officials and received the first Graham Lester Spirit of Lacrosse Award.

Robin also currently serves as Secretary of the English Lacrosse Men’s Referees and Rules Committee, recently editing the current version of the English Lacrosse men’s rulebook and issuing guidelines on the new field dimensions.

Terry Harding, FIL Director of Men’s Lacrosse, commented on Robin’s appointment, “We are delighted to have a leader of Robin’s experience and talent assume this critical role. We look forward to working with Robin as we grow the sport of lacrosse around the world.”

Robin had this to say about his new role with FIL: “The first question we should ask when reviewing rule changes is ‘does it improve the game of lacrosse?’ I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with colleagues from around the world to help guide our game forward and to build on the work of my highly respected predecessors.”

Robin’s lacrosse experience spans over 18 years. It began with managing, coaching and then refereeing for Cheadle Hulme, his second son’s junior club team in England’s Juniors and Schools league. He stayed involved with his son’s lacrosse development over the next few years, becoming a chief bench official and timekeeper for senior, county and varsity games. Although his son graduated in 2009, Robin continues to referee for the club and assist with the Northern Flag Finals, British Nationals, touring sides and other junior and senior tournaments.

On the North of England Juniors and Schools Committee, Robin served as the fixture secretary and ran the inter-club tournaments for three age groups. While serving on the committee, he devised the game allocation matrix for the tournaments. It is currently in use.

Robin has a degree in Physics and Electronics from Manchester University and spent 25 years developing real-time software, first for GEC-Marconi Research Centre on industrial and military projects and then as Software Manager for the Eurostar train project with Alstom Transport.

Robin then developed digital video recorders as Technical Director for a small business and currently works as a development engineer for a company that manufactures robotic test equipment for very large circuit boards.

The holder of a U.K. patent and former private pilot, Robin current resides in Stockport, England with his wife, Pam. He has three adult children.

For more information contact: Terry Harding at terry.harding@worldlacrosse.sport