Playing the game of hockey involves two teams of players PLUS two umpires. Without the umpires, we cannot play the game!
Over the years, Geelong Hockey Association has had many members with high level umpiring qualifications, including GHA Life Member Jan Adams, who umpired at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. However in recent years, the number of people who have made themselves available to umpire has declined.
The Geelong Hockey Association aims to support our current volunteer umpires and attract new members for this vital role. We are seeking members who would like to learn to umpire, as well as umpires who would like to improve their current capability and achieve official accreditation.
Role of the Umpire
The role of the umpires is to:
- control the match
- apply the rules of hockey and ensure fair play
- keep the game safe and uphold a duty of care to the players
- keep the game flowing
The contribution of the umpire assists in ensuring that all participants have an enjoyable experience in the match.
Umpiring is a very rewarding way of taking part in hockey. Umpiring hockey can lead to exciting opportunities including officiating at regional, State, National and international tournaments. As an umpire you often get to know a wide range of players and other officials and this can result in lifelong friendships.
Umpiring can also be a good way to earn some pocket money, as umpire payments apply for most games.
Umpire Accreditation
Umpiring qualifications can be achieved for both outdoor hockey and indoor hockey. The progression for umpiring qualifications is:
- Community level umpire – for players, parents, teachers and other new umpires involved in Hookin2Hockey, modified versions of the game or lower level club hockey.
- Level 1 Umpire – for players, parents and umpires involved in umpiring club hockey, intra-state championships and lower age-level Australian Championships.
- Level 2 Umpire – for umpires involved with high level club hockey, high level intra-state championships and higher level Australian Championships.
- Australian Umpire – for umpires wishing to officiate in top level, open age national championships or international games.
Check these resources from Hockey WA, including the ‘How to Umpire’ booklet.
We Want More Umpires!
GHA invites you to begin your journey on the umpire pathway which allows umpires to learn, collaborate, and ultimately grow the game of hockey.
The Association has allocated some funds to reimburse umpires who are available to tutor inexperienced umpires during the summer season. If you are able to help in this way, your contribution would be much appreciated.
If you would like to learn more about umpiring or are available to tutor less experienced umpires, please complete this form, and we will be in touch!
