The importance of good coaching cannot be over emphasised. There are more than 10,000 accredited hockey umpires in England and everyone, irrespective of how experienced or inexperienced they are, will benefit from high quality input from a coach...just as the players do from their coaches.
The EHB offers three Umpire Coach Awards, which mirror the umpiring accreditations;
Level 1
Level 1 is representative of umpire coaches who wish to work alongside new umpires or Level 1 Umpires in their club and / or a relatively local environment. County Hockey Umpiring Associations (HUAs) can assist with providing information and opportunities if coach candidates or clubs needs a helping hand to get things started.
Level 2
Level 2 is representative of coaches who want to progress their skills and experience and be eligible to coach Level 2 umpires.
Level 3
Level 3 is for those coaches who operate in the national programme i.e. coach the Level 3 Umpires in the EHL and at national tournaments and Championship Finals.
To become an accredited umpire coach you will need to apply yourself to learning the generic coaching skills as practised by all coaches - good communication, listening, evaluating, asking questions, identifying strengths and weaknesses and matching every weakness with a solution. Additionally, and importantly, you need a sound understanding of the skills of umpiring and the rules of the game.
A number of coaches work in a one to one environment with just one or two umpires at local games or within their clubs or HUAs; those with more experience (Level 2 and 3) work with groups at tournaments and events and present at workshops and conventions.
The EHB is very keen to recruit more umpire coaches, of all levels. If you are interested and would like to get involved, send an email to umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk and we will advise you of the local opportunities.
