Any official umpiring a game of hockey in Wales, should be qualified or working towards a qualification.  The WHUA, in partnership with Hockey Wales, offer a number of different courses to enable you to progress up the umpiring pathway.

Whilst you are on the pathway the WHUA will strive to provide all the opportunities needed to enhance your skills and umpiring knowledge. 

Any queries about courses should be made to [email protected] 

Introduction to Umpiring Award

The Introduction to Umpiring Award is the first step in to umpiring hockey in Wales and is suitable for anyone aged 14+. The Award looks to build people’s confidence and game management skills in a hockey environment.
People who attend this course will be able to:
  • Umpire 4689 and mini hockey (7-a-side junior games, approved by Hockey Wales
  • Umpire players of the same age or younger, unless special authorisation through the Welsh Hockey Umpires Association

Level 1 - Regional Umpire

Pathway
Level 1 Club Umpire -> Level 1 Regional Umpire
A Level 1 Regional Umpire is an umpire who wishes to take neutral appointments within the region (South Wales, North Wales).   This replaces the old Welsh Level 2 award.

To become a regional umpire you need to be watched at two appropriate level games and passed as suitable for progression.  To maintain your status as a regional umpire you must umpire at least 8 neutral games each season.

​If you are interested in becoming a Regional Umpire then you should contact your regional umpiring association to arrange the necessary watching.  This can be done by emailing [email protected]

Level 3 and beyond ...

Pathway
Level 2 Umpire -> Level 3 Umpire
Level 3 is achieved when an umpire progresses onto NPUA panel and is umpiring National League games.

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 Level 1 - Club Umpire

​Pathway
Level 1 Unassessed -> Level 1 Club Umpire
A level 1 course is suitable for those with some experience of playing hockey and may have had some practice with umpiring previously.

Completion of the award is based upon the following 
  • Completion of the on-line theory course
  • Successful completion of a practical assessment at a suitable level
The online theory course currently comprises of three sessions
  • Session 1 (approximately 90 minutes)  - Preparing to Umpire
  • Session 2 (approximately 120 minutes) - Signals & Rules
  • Session 3 (approximately 120 minutes) - Advantage, Player Management, Positioning & Your Assessment
The cost for the course is £60 and this includes, Whistle, Cards, Umpires Shirt and Registration with Who's The Umpire.

Level 2 Umpire

Pathway 
Level 1 Regional Umpire -> Level 2 Umpire
A level 2 umpire will be looking to progress their umpiring career to the upper echelons of the regional leagues. 

A level 2 umpire MAY be considered for Welsh National and International Panel selection.
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To progress to this level an umpire must receive a nomination from the Regional Umpire Association and then pass the practical assessment.
Welsh Hockey Umpires Association