From England Hockey:

Further to last year’s expressions of interest, we are delighted to release the Expressions of Interest to umpire in the above event at Nottingham Hockey Centre, between the 8th – 17th August 2020.

Held at Nottingham Hockey Centre between 8-17th August 2020, the competition will feature the best of Masters hockey from the Over 35’s & Over 40’s age groups - with England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all represented.

For individuals selected to umpire this competition, the following will be provided:
1. - Coaching & mentoring from a highly experienced Umpire Support Team
2. - Meals on site during the days of competition
3. - Tournament Shirt(s)

Unfortunately, we will be unable to assist with accommodation requests or costs as part of the competition.

To register your interest in the event, please click on the below link to submit your expression of interest. Please be aware that in the first instance, we are only seeking applications from individuals who are available and can commit for the whole tournament.

Opportunities for individuals to participate in part of the competition will be announced at a later date.

Please note: Applications close on 30th January 2020 and selected umpires will be contacted before the 3rd February 2020.

If you have any questions, please let me know. ... More

From David Elworthy at EH:

Over the past 24 months, representatives from the NPUA and Regional HUAs have been working with us at England Hockey to create the “Vision of Umpiring”. This is a whole game approach, which includes reviewing all pathways, educational offers and the relationship of Umpiring Bodies with the proposed Areas, as well as with England Hockey. In the booklet, we have made reference to some of the work that has been completed so far by the group, however there is still a lot to discuss and finalise. We intend to communicate more from this group early in 2020 on the future of Umpiring and Officiating.

Due to this, I’d like to draw your attention to section 6 where we have extended this timeline by an extra season to include County HUAs at a later date, allowing time for us to focus on setting the structure correctly for Umpiring (in line with the above), whilst working through the impact per area and allowing us to communicate correctly, accurately and clearly to all of our umpiring colleagues and members.

Please feel free to review the booklet and feel free to contact me in the New Year with any thoughts or questions. In the meantime, thank you for your input and energies this year in Umpiring across the country to support our game at all levels. ... More

At the mid point of the season just time to say a huge thank you to all of you for all your help in the first half - to umpires, coaches, supporters, people who have stepped in at short notice when plans have had to change - a great job was done by all.

Time now to enjoy Christmas and to look forward to the second half of the season!

The Consultation Summary is now available to read on the England Hockey website as a News article dated 27/11/19 and the full Research Summary is also available as a download from the Governance Review 2018 page of the website.

The Final Proposal, including more detail, will be sent out before Christmas. ... More

England Hockey has issued a new Red Card report form, new regulations for Red Cards and MMOs, and new Disrepute Regulations. These can be found in the Handbook (see the link).

Please make yourselves aware of the new form and regulations on the basis that if you do you won't have to use them!

If you have any questions on this then please get in touch. ... More

EH have issued guidance about the rule changes coming for the season starting after the summer break.

Basically all the rule changes proposed by FIH are being adopted, with the exception of 15 minute quarters and the associated time stoppage at penalty corners. In the elite game quarters of 17.5 minutes will be played (with no time stoppages for penalty corners) - for everyone else (including the matches to which Berkshire HUA appoints) then we will remain with 35 minute halves and no time stoppages at penalty corners.

If you have any questions then please ask! ... More

Any umpire wishing to join BHUA should email the Membership Secretary on graeme.whc@gmail.com with the following details:

Name, Contact email address, Contact number, EH Number and status e.g. Level 1 unassessed, Date of Birth and Club Association (if any).

There is an annual membership fee of £10 (Free for U18s) and payment details will be provided via return email.

For all Berks or Oxon umpires looking for umpiring kit please be aware that Tempest Sports are able to provide clothing featuring the Berks or Oxon badge.

If interested please use this link http://www.tempestshop.com/umpires.html to access the Tempest website to view the kit on offer.