"Engineering and hockey are very different worlds, each one is one thing but I was able to combine them"

Núria Castellví, Chemical Industrial Technical Engineer

 

  Since when are you an engineer?

I started chemistry first, then industrial technical engineering and then chemical engineering, so now it must be about 10 years.

What do you do professionally? I am a prevention technician in a department of quality, machinery, prevention and the environment.

Why your hockey hobby?

I'm from Reus and as a child I didn't skate or play hockey because there weren't any women. At home we were amateurs, my brothers skated and we went with my dad to see hockey. From the age of 16 I went to see him and they said to me: why don't you try to become a referee? I started when I was 18, now I’m 40 and I continue. Referee, in normal times, every weekend, they ask you for availability and you say as much as you can, whether on Friday, Saturday or Monday.

Where do you referee?

I can referee all over Catalonia, depending on the category, but only Tarragona, when you go up in category you can do all of Catalonia. 2 years ago I went up to Española and for San Juan, for example, I was beeping in Galicia in the Spanish under-17 championship.

Referees to men's and women's teams independently?

If I whistle boys and girls. When they are small they play in mixed teams but older they are already of one sex. Women's league hockey.

Can referees be considered athletes?

Yes, and so much, we should be considered, because to whistle we are required physical tests. In Catalan they tell you some and in Spain they are quite more. That’s why you have to train like any other athlete. Years ago I started in the gym the whole subject of machines and dumbbells, doing strength exercises and it must be said that it goes well for the body to strengthen legs. I go there 4 times a week. I prefer to go to the gym than go for a run or dance - I also do salsa or batxata. Now in the summer when I don’t have hockey or in the winter when I don’t have a game I go hiking, even when I’m alone to walk.

Has engineering brought you anything in arbitrage?

No, I started hockey first. They are very different worlds. They have been independent paths but I can combine them.

In what league do referees currently?

Catalana Nacional, a Catalunya, ia nivell d'espanyola actualment a l'hoquei lliga femenina ia la nacional de plata.

When to referee in the First Division?

A men’s league hockey would be great but it’s tricky. In Spanish it must be said that they also bet on feminine. I must also say that in Tarragona I am alone. The average idea is to go up. To climb depends on the years you bring and the experience you have. Next year might be bold. Maybe a match other than a Reus - Barça or a Reus - Liceo. On covet theme there was a stop when we were half league doing silver league hockey and the next weekend we were confined. I’ve been beeping female league hockey. I hope to be able to make more money and for 2 years it would be the maximum.

Do you see yourself beeping Reus?

It would be great and sure to be very cool.