If you are interested in umpiring, we can provide you with the first important stepping stones to becoming a fully qualified umpire.

Or if you are a current umpire, you may want to upgrade your qualification and we can help too.

You should download and read through the following documents in preparation for undertaking your first umpire qualification or upgrading your current umpire qualification:

• Grading and Development Procedures

Level 1 Umpire Qualification

For potential or trainee umpires, you will be required to attend an Umpire Level 1 course to get you started and learn the practical umpiring elements.

You will be required to:

• Complete the online rules test. The link will send you to England Hockey rules site because they administer this on behalf of Scotland, England and Wales.
• Attend an Umpire Level 1 course (6 hours on course learning) where you will discuss and practice umpiring.  Details of dates, times and venues from the District Convenor.
• Practice umpiring within your club at training or friendly games.
• Contact a relevant District Convenor to undertake your practical umpire test.

Individuals have 18 months to complete the qualification

'B' Badge Umpire Qualification

To start working towards your 'B' Badge Qualification.

You will be required to:

• Contact a District Convenor to express an interest in undertaking the qualification
• Undertake two practical tests with an officials panel in district, regional or lower national league level.

'A' Badge Umpire Qualification

For 'B' Badge umpires who have held their qualification for 1 year and regularly umpire matches, you can progress to your 'A' Badge Umpire Qualification.

To successfully qualify, you will be required to:

• Complete three successful tests at a national or international level e.g. National Div 1 or international games.

The Umpire Level 1 course has been introduced for aspiring and trainee umpires to replace the Scottish Hockey ‘C’ Badge qualification.  Those who have completed ‘C’ Badge will continue to be recognised as a qualified umpire*.

The Umpire Level 1 course will introduce individuals to the Rules of Hockey and present attendees with opportunities to discuss and practice umpiring with experienced and qualified tutors.

There are four learning elements to the Level 1 umpiring course:

• Study the Rules of Hockey and complete an online rules test.
• Attend an Umpire Level 1 course (5 hours on course learning) where you will discuss and practice umpiring with a supporting tutor.
• Practice umpiring within your club at training or friendly games.
• Contact a relevant District Convenor to undertake your practical umpire test.

The course content is separated into 5 modules:

1. The Game from the Players’ Perspective
2. The Role of the Umpire
3. Umpiring Set Plays
4. Player Management
5. Preparation and Planning the Next Steps

The benefits to individuals include education about how to umpire, support attendees to put theory into practice and increase confidence to umpire and continue to learn.

A number of Umpire Level 1 courses have been delivered already this season, generating positive feedback from attendees who have undertaken the course or used it as a refresher:

“A useful course. Thought it was better than previous craft night approach and was very successful”

“Compared to craft night, this is a much better introduction to umpiring. This course looked much more widely at the role of an umpire. Craft night was delivered as though you had a previous knowledge of umpiring.”

“I enjoyed putting theory into practice and having the opportunity to discuss decisions and alternatives. I feel that I have a much better understanding of the rules.”

“I felt the course was a great way to start learning to be an umpire. I am a visual person so going outside onto the pitch really benefitted me. It suited me more than the old theory test."

“A very beneficial course. Thoroughly enjoyable.”

The District Umpires’ Committees across Scotland will arrange a calendar each year of Umpire Level 1 courses therefore please contact your District Convenor for more information about Umpire Level 1 courses.

Hockey is subject to a set of rules and regulations that ensure fair play and maintain the spirit of competition.

For umpire and officials appointed to matches in hockey competitions, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has published international rulebooks that detail the rules by which the sport is officiated.

• Download a copy of the FIH Outdoor Rulebook
• Download a copy of the FIH Indoor Rulebook
• Download FIH 2015 Rules of Hockey Rules Interpretation (outdoor)

Officials should also familiarise themselves with the competition rules governing hockey in Scotland.

For assisting officials and umpires in understanding the rules of hockey and applying them to matches, you can download the Rules Interpretation Guide.

All officials can also access the guidelines that encourage fair play and maintain the spirit of competition:

• Ethics Manual
• Rules of Behaviour
• Conduct Guidance
• Clean Air Act
• Lord Advocate's Guidelines