We cannot play hockey without umpires and with the changes in league rules we are required to provide two for every home game unless neutrally appointed umpires are provided.

With 14 adult teams and only the Men's 1s and Ladies 1s being guaranteed appointed umpires on a weekly basis this can leave a lot of umpiring slots to fill.

The picture on a Sunday is similar with the potential for so many Junior games at home that require us to provide two umpires.

There is currently a very small pool of umpires covering our home games on a weekend and this is becoming unsustainable.

This is a plea to you all (players, spectators and parents) to consider picking up a whistle. With such a vast range of games we can find a level to suit your experience level. If everyone umpires just one game a season this will really help your club and club mates

Until January, England Hockey are running their Level One umpire course online so there is no better time to improve your understanding of the rules by doing the course from the comfort of your sofa. https://hockeyhub.englandhockey.co.uk/events?search=+level+1

For those who want help and development with their umpiring we have a number of Senior Umpires who will support you and offer advice. Also if there is sufficient demand we can look to run specific development events for umpires.

f you are interested in doing some umpiring please complete this form. https://forms.gle/ZWt5T88YQxQb7Lim6

If you want more information or advice on umpiring please speak to Angus Porter, Graeme Cooke or Andy Parsons.