Blowing the Whistle with Confidence – Young Umpires Shine at DC Match Days
Hampshire Player Pathway and South Central Officiating join forces for a fantastic umpire development experience
TL;DR:
- 31 young umpires took part in the DC Match Day development programme
- The journey began with a theory evening at Trojans HC
- Umpires progressed from U13 to U15 games, gaining confidence with each match
- SCO’s Steve Godwin and his team provided outstanding support and mentoring
- The experience has sparked a lasting interest in umpiring for many participants
One of the most exciting parts of our work in the Player Pathway is seeing young people step into new roles, grow in confidence, and surprise even themselves. And nowhere was that more evident than at the recent U13–U15 DC Match Days at Basingstoke Hockey Club, where our young umpire development programme reached its conclusion.
Over the course of two days, 31 young hockey players took on the challenge of umpiring live matches – some for the very first time. With whistles in hand and nerves undoubtedly buzzing, they began with the U13s and gradually worked their way up through the age groups, supported every step of the way by a brilliant team of mentors from South Central Officiating (SCO).
The journey began a week earlier with a theory evening at Trojans HC, where the young umpires got to grips with positioning, decision-making, and understanding the role of an umpire. That session laid the foundation – but it was on the match days that the magic really happened.
As someone who’s watched many of these journeys unfold, I know just how intimidating it can be to stand on the pitch and blow that first whistle. But the structured environment created by SCO – led by the incomparable Steve "Godders" Godwin – made all the difference.
The improvement we saw over the two days was incredible: whistles became louder and more decisive, arm signals more confident and meaningful. You could actually see the confidence grow with every match.
Steve, who managed the umpire programme across both days, summed it up perfectly:
"What a brilliant couple of days working with the young umpires. I knew the opportunity to work with 31 young hockey people with playing skills but also an interest in umpiring was too good to miss.
It was very hard work on two long days but in my opinion well worth the effort. The development of the skills of the umpires over the two days is very much down to the umpire coaches' enthusiasm and development talent. Many had little or no umpiring experience but have come away with an increased interest in carrying on umpiring in the future.
In summary on the performance stuff, it was top class and reflects well on our South Central Development team which has to be the best around. Thank you all so much."
Take a look at some of the photos from the weekend below – you’ll see confident, committed young umpires in action, guided by the best in the business.
I’d like to add my own thanks to Steve and to Keely Dunn, Rowena Shepherd, and all the other umpire coaches who gave up their weekend to support, guide, and cheerlead this next generation of officials.
Their encouragement, experience, and passion created a truly positive environment in which these young umpires could thrive. It’s not easy to put yourself out there when you’re new – especially in front of players, coaches, and spectators – but with the support of this outstanding umpire coaching team, every one of our young umpires came away stronger.
We’re incredibly proud of each and every young person who took part. Not only did they help make the DC Match Days run smoothly, but they also showed what’s possible when we create space for young people to try something new, supported by experts who believe in them.
Let’s keep encouraging them. Let’s give them patience and support. And let’s continue to build this pathway – not just for players, but for umpires too.
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