Technical Officials play an important role in many sports and hockey is no exception. It’s an interesting, challenging and rewarding role for a large number of hockey's volunteers and the England Hockey Board (EHB) is keen to further increase participation and standards.
You don't need to be of a certain age or level of fitness to be a technical official. You don't need a bag of hockey sticks and all the latest gear. You do need to be a good communicator, a people manager, a calm and fair person with leadership skills.
In terms of equipment you need some papers, a pen, a watch with stopwatch facility and perhaps it would be a good idea to have a waterproof clipboard (a weather-writer).
So what difference do technical officials make?
Technical Officials work alongside EHB to manage and deliver successful tournaments and events.
It is essential that technical officials remain up to date on key issues and techniques that will enhance their personal development and that of the game.
Training and Development
The EHB is committed to supporting the development of existing and potential technical officials. Our goal is to help each to reach their potential.
How do you get to be a technical official?
The technical officiating pathway begins at local level (in counties and regions), progresses through regional to national programmes and for those who demonstrate the skills and commitment to go further, to the international arena.
Each of the EHB regions has a volunteer who undertakes the role of Regional Technical Officiating Coordinator. These volunteers or your local regional office can direct you to a variety of opportunities or answer any questions you may have. Contact details for the volunteers are as below.
| North | Tony Cobb | tony.cobb.email@gmail.com |
| West | Liz Powell | thepowells298@virginmedia.com |
| East | Sheila George | smg.68@btinternet.com |
| Midlands | c/o Laurie Alcock | lauriealcock@aol.com |
| South | John Gawley | jmdm.gawley@clara.net |
| Combined Services | Derek Rutherford | derekhockey@tiscali.co.uk |
The EHB is proud of all of our officials, but particularly those who have reached international acclaim – the EHF and FIH international technical officials. We are delighted that a number have recently been appointed by the FIH to world level events.
