Umpiring is a brilliant way to stay involved in hockey, give something back to the club, and learn loads about the game. It’s not just about blowing a whistle — it actually boosts your confidence, sharpens your understanding of the rules, and helps matches run smoothly for everyone. England Hockey’s Level 1 course is super accessible, flexible, and designed to build your confidence from the ground up.

If you’re a player, umpiring can massively improve your game awareness; if you’re a parent or volunteer, it’s a great way to support the club and keep matches happening each weekend. And honestly, it’s fun, social, and really rewarding. It is also FREE as part of your England Hockey membership.

? How to Complete Your England Hockey Level One Umpiring Qualification

England Hockey has created a new flexible learning pathway to help anyone begin their umpiring journey, whether you’re a player, parent, volunteer or completely new to officiating.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide

►STEP 1 — Register on the England Hockey Hockey Hub
Set up a Hockey Hub account — this is where you'll access resources and book your courses. Click HERE for the website.

►STEP 2 — Complete the Online Rules of Hockey Test
This must be done before the Level 1 workshop. It takes about 30 minutes and checks your understanding of the rules

►STEP 3 — Complete the Safeguarding Awareness Module (30 mins)
A short online module to make sure you understand how to help create a safe game environment. Once complete, please email this to safeguarding@ieshc.org

►STEP 4 — Attend the Level 1 Online Workshop (Approx. 2 Hours)
An interactive session run by England Hockey tutors. This gives you hands‑on scenarios, rule discussions, and builds confidence. Completing this will give you your Level 1 Unassessed Umpire certificate.

►STEP 5 — Get Some Practice at IES
Start umpiring friendly or junior matches to build confidence and develop your on‑pitch management skills.

Contact our Umpire Development Coordinator — Annette Thorpe 0
Annette will:

Set you up with suitable practice games
Support your early development
Work with the club’s Umpire Liaison Officer to get you appointed to weekend matches when ready

This ensures you get the right experience before going for your assessment.

►STEP 6 — Your Level 1 Assessment
Once you and our umpire development office are confident, you will be put forward for assessment.

Your assessment must take place during:

An 11‑a‑side match
Minimum 25 minutes each way
A competitive fixture (adult league, U15+, or suitable pathway match)

Feedback will then be given if you have passed or failed the assessment. Either way, the club will continue to support your development to reassessment or as a Level One umpire going forward.

►STEP 7 — Become a Level 1 Assessed Umpire ? ★
Once you pass your assessment, you officially achieve Level 1 Assessed status. Your local area officiating body may follow up with development opportunities, support, and further progression options.

Once you are assessed as Level One, you will be able to umpire full matches with other umpires. However, your development will never stop as we seek to continually support and develop our clubs umpiring pool!