Welcome to this section of the website which is not only dedicated to recruiting, training and developing our Club umpires, but also to providing playing members with the latest rules, the opportunity to understand them and, more importantly, to be aware of their current interpretation.
The whole object of the exercise is to make every match played, no matter what the level, as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. If you think about it, getting the best out of playing hockey is not just about learning, practising and using your physical skills to the peak of your abilities but as much about understanding how and why the game is regulated, and then officiated the way it is.
Additionally, the simple fact is that, without umpires, there would be no games. So, it is in the interests of every single member of Trojans Hockey Club to ensure that we have as many skilled and competent umpires (turning out on Saturdays & Sundays) as possible.
The Club is now taking significant steps to create a sustainable umpire development programme. Traditionally, clubs have concentrated on player development, with umpiring almost as an afterthought. Umpires themselves have been considered as peripheral to a club, rather than as important a component as any other in making it a success.
The plan is to change this, with a goal of having 40 Level 1 Assessed umpires within the next two years – we now have some ‘in-house’ capability and organisation to coach and assess, but it relies on you to make it happen.
We are alway actively looking for members to either begin or further their umpire journey, in both the senior section and junior section.
You do not have to be a hockey player to be an umpire. If you are interested in finding out more please contact the Umpire Secretary
Ian McMorran- umpiresecretary@trojanshockey.co.uk
The short answer is that, in terms of membership, Trojans is a very large and successful club, with over 30 teams of all ages and abilities, but does not have sufficient umpires to cover them all.
Assuming half the teams play at home each week, that is still is a large number of umpires required to ensure that games go ahead. If the home fixtures don’t have appropriately qualified umpires appointed, the Club can be fined and teams can be docked points.
Personal ambition- as a player, you may find that you reach a certain level and struggle to progress any further. However, as an umpire, you could reach much higher levels of the game and find greater enjoyment in that achievement.
You’ll be a better player- there’s a reason why the Netherlands is so good at hockey, all players must qualify to become umpires! This gives them a better understanding of the rules and an appreciation of the difficulties of umpiring.
It’s not a one-size fits all and we are flexible, supportive and offer feedback. Suitable matches will be picked and we pair developing umpires with experienced qualified umpires on games with occasional use of radios for communication.
As your experience grows you’ll gradually be exposed to more challenging games.
We will only arrange an assessment when umpires are judged to be ready.
Since 2018, Individuals from Umpiring Associations, National Programme Umpiring Association (NPUA), Technical Appointing Panel (TAP) and England Hockey have been working in collaboration to develop a unified vision for Officiating and we are delighted to announce the launch of the EHO.
The EHO is a single membership body designed for anyone involved in Officiating, at every level of the game. The vision of the EHO is to provide a unified approach to support and develop all members across the game via a Nationally Led, Locally Delivered organisation.
All umpires MUST register with EHO
Umpire positioning is hugely important to the success of the officiating team, as well as the flow and attitude of the game. It is important for an umpire to ensure they are in the most effective position to both view and communicate with players effectively. You will find that it is also important for players to feel as if the umpire is making an effort to get into effective positions. They are likely to have a negative and possibly critical view of an umpire if they believe decisions are incorrect due to an umpire's positioning, which is likely to effect an umpire's ability to effectively manage a game.
Area of control
The left umpire is responsible for the red side of the field, with the right side umpire being responsible for the blue. In the Grey area between sides and ends of the field, control Is generally given to the umpire to which the play is coming towards. For example, if the play is going >> then control would be with the Blue umpire - Or if the play Is going ^^ then control would be given to the Red umpire.
General play positioning
Keep a 45 degree angle from your colleague , this helps with vision for both umpires and makes it easy to locate your fellow umpire. Be sure to remember, that as the ball moves to the far side of the field, you should move into the mid field. Then head towards your own side-line as the ball comes back to the midfield, and your side of the field.
Penalty Corners
Positioning within the circle is where you are most comfortable and can see the play best.
The Blue dot closest to the goal-box is where an umpire would stand when the push-out is on the far side of the goal-box. The Blue dot closest to the circle is where an umpire would stand if the push-out is taken on the near side of the goal-box. The Red dot is where your colleague would stand.
The Red umpire is standing in their position to ensure the defending team are out of the defensive half, while also watching the line the defensive runners are taking, as well as if the shot taken is on target or dangerous.
The Blue umpire is watching to make sure the push-out is legal, the defensive unit don't break early, while checking for infringements such as obstruction, feet and stick checks.
Penalty Stroke
The blue dot is where the umpire who awarded the penalty stroke would stand; on an angle slightly behind the player taking the stroke to ensure the stroke is taken correctly. The red dot is where your colleague would stand; their job is to watch the goalkeeper and to make sure the ball crosses the line.
Change to Rule 9.10
Rule 9.10 has been changed to allow for the playing of what is commonly referred to as Aerial Ball. Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled, and is on the ground. An exception is that an aerial ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance of the receiver, provided it is done safely. Playing distance is defined as the distance within which a player is capable of reaching the ball to play it.
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