This is the highest level of accreditation available to umpires in England and it is awarded only to those who are appointed to the premier divisions of the England Hockey League.
About the Award
The National Umpire Badge is the ultimate umpiring accreditation available in England and those on the National Badge Register are recognised as being of the highest level in the National Programme.
It is awarded exclusively according to the performances of the umpire while officiating at the top of the National Programme (the Premier Divisions of the EHL or major tournaments/event finals e.g. the Cup Final).
The assessment process is undertaken by the Umpire Selection Panel (USP). National Badge Umpires will, pending their age and ability, be eligible for consideration for international tournaments/events.
Qualifying Criteria
- The candidate will be required to successfully complete the National Hockey Umpire Fitness Test (currently the Bleep Test).
- The candidate will be currently active on the Level 3 Umpire Register and officiating within the Premier Divisions of the EHL and other areas of the National Programme.
Assessment Procedure
Candidates will be assessed while umpiring a minimum of three matches in the EHL Premier Division or other matches considered to be of a suitable standard. The Umpire Selection Panel (USP) will collectively agree whether the candidate shall or shall not be accredited as an England Hockey National Badge Umpire .
The assessor/s shall be qualified in one or more of the following areas:
- An USP appointed National Umpire Selector or Assessor
- An England Hockey Level 3 Umpire Coach appointed by the USP.
Registration Procedures
Following the completion of successful assessment, the USP shall notify the Development Department at England Hockey and request that a National Umpire Registration Form is sent to the umpire for completion.
The umpire will return the registration form and the registration fee to the England Hockey offices in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The registration fee is £25 (cheques are to be made payable to England Hockey).
Upon receipt of the registration document and the £25 registration fee, England Hockey shall post direct to the umpire:
- A letter confirming the accreditation and Personal Registration Number
- A Registration Card
Maintenance
Assessment shall be ongoing and is the responsibility of England Hockey together with the Chairman of the USP. The USP together with the NPUA and England Hockey are responsible for all administration and developmental activities involving National Badge Umpires.
The England Hockey Umpiring Committee may on the recommendation of the USP and the NPUA remove a National Badge Umpire from the active Register, but the qualification cannot be withdrawn. The circumstances under which an umpire can be removed include retirement from umpiring, or no longer performing to the required standard, or for disciplinary reasons.
The administration of the National Umpire Register shall be monitored by the England Hockey Umpiring Committee in accordance with the USP Policy and the Terms of Reference as agreed with the NPUA.
