What is Umpire Management?
Umpires Managers are appointed at tournaments and events. The role is varied and challenging in respect of time and high level support, but ask any Umpires Manager and they will all say the same – it is one of the most rewarding roles within the ‘officiating menu’.
What's involved in Umpire Management?
Umpires Managers coach the umpires;
- they assess performance and provide feedback, solutions and support and
- they liaise with the officials (Tournament Directors and Technical Officials) deciding the umpire appointments on a game by game, day by day basis.
- They are also the link between the teams and the umpires, often the ear to the player coaches, the vital ‘manager’ who ensures that everyone works consistently and to the same interpretations.
Who can be an Umpires Manager?
To be an Umpires Manager you will ideally already be a qualified umpire coach and have a reasonable understanding of hockey. Most importantly you will need good communication skills, planning and organisational skills and a willingness to work at continued self development (as with any coach or aspiring individual). Without continued self development your personal management skills are likely to falter and you’ll fail to reach your full potential.
How can I become an Umpires Manager?
At this time there are no EHB accreditations for Umpires Managers; there is a National Register for those who work with Level 3 Umpires and Coaches, regional registers for those who want to work in the regional programmes with Level 2’s and in some counties the HUA has a list of people who manage at local events, tournaments and festivals (i.e. Level 1s).
If you aren’t sure who to contact or where to start, please send an email to umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk and we’ll point you in the right direction.
