Young Umpires 2026
Last year, Hampshire Hockey Player Pathway launched its Young Umpire Development Programme, giving a group of aspiring young officials their first taste of hockey umpiring.
Many of those young umpires attended a theory session before going on to officiate matches at our DC Match Days under the guidance and support of experienced umpire coaches from South Central Officiating.
This year, we are delighted to be working with South Central Officiating once again, but with an exciting new opportunity.
Hockey simply couldn't function without umpires. From local junior matches to international competitions, every game depends on officials who are willing to step onto the pitch and help make the sport possible.
Whether you're a player, coach, parent or volunteer, understanding the game from an umpire's perspective can only make you a better hockey person. Umpiring develops confidence, communication skills, decision-making, game awareness and leadership — all qualities that are valuable both on and off the pitch.
A New Opportunity for 2026
Rather than recruiting a completely new group of young umpires this year, we are inviting those who participated in the programme last year to continue their umpiring journey.
The reason for this is that South Central Officiating are now licensed by England Hockey to deliver the Level 1 Umpire Award in person.
This is a significant step forward from the online-only course. The in-person award combines theory with practical exercises, discussions, game situations and on-pitch learning, providing a much richer learning experience and helping young umpires build confidence in a supportive environment.
Best of all, the course is completely free.
Completing the Level 1 Award also places umpires on the pathway towards becoming a Level 1 Assessed Umpire, allowing them to officiate competitive club hockey with formal recognition.
Already Started Your Umpiring Journey?
We have directly contacted the young umpires who took part in the programme last season, but we would also welcome applications from players who have already started umpiring and are keen to develop further.
Equally, if you have completed the England Hockey online umpiring course but have had limited opportunity to gain practical experience on the pitch, this could be an ideal next step.
The combination of real match experience, mentoring from experienced umpire coaches and the opportunity to progress towards the England Hockey Level 1 Umpire Award makes this an excellent development opportunity for anyone looking to take their umpiring to the next level.
How Does It Work?
There is no separate theory evening this year.
Instead, we are looking for young umpires who are available to support our DC Match Days at Down Grange, Basingstoke on:
- Saturday 27 June 2026
- Sunday 28 June 2026
You can volunteer for either day or both days.
Throughout the day you will receive support, mentoring and guidance from experienced umpire coaches from South Central Officiating, including Steve Godwin and his team.
This practical experience will form an important part of your development and help prepare you for the England Hockey Level 1 Umpire Award.
Why Become an Umpire?
There is a nationwide shortage of hockey umpires and clubs across Hampshire are always looking for young people who are willing to get involved.
As an umpire you can:
- Develop your understanding of the game.
- Improve your communication and decision-making skills.
- Build confidence and leadership qualities.
- Support your club and the wider hockey community.
- Gain a recognised umpiring qualification.
- Take the first step towards officiating competitive club hockey.
Most importantly, you'll be helping our sport thrive.
Interested?
If you took part in the programme last year and would like to be involved again, please ask your parent or guardian to complete the application form below.
We will then pass your details to Steve Godwin and the South Central Officiating team, who will contact you with further information.
We look forward to seeing many of our young umpires back on the pitch this summer!
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