Umpire Developers are at the heart of keeping match officials in the game and raising standards on pitch. Whether you currently support umpires in your club, work within your Area, or are looking to become a developer for the first time, the new structure offers clear developer roles, modern video coaching tools, and simple feedback guides so you can focus on helping umpires grow.
How Developers Support the Umpiring Pathway
Developers support match officials at every single stage of their development ladder:
- Grade 5 Umpires: Developers help new umpires build confidence, understand the fundamentals of umpiring, apply the Rules safely and fairly, and reflect on their match experiences.
- Grade 4 Umpires: Developers support practical umpiring development through observation and constructive feedback, helping umpires build confidence, consistency, positioning and communication as they consolidate their fundamental skills.
- Grade 3 Umpires: Developers coach performance, helping umpires develop broader game understanding, anticipation, player management and proactive officiating, while supporting formal assessment and Area development activities.
- Grade 2 Umpires: Developers support umpires through coaching, mentoring, observation and feedback, helping them refine their performance, build resilience and influence increasingly demanding matches.
- Grade 1 Umpires: Developers provide high-performance coaching, mentoring, assessment and development support, helping umpires maintain and further develop their performance within the national environment.
Clearer Training & Standards
All developer training under the new pathway is designed to give every official equal, high-quality support regardless of location. Training will be:
- Centrally Designed: Standardised tools, observation forms, and learning modules created by England Hockey.
- Consistently Delivered: Equal development and mentoring standards applied across all Areas.
- Aligned to Umpire Grades: Clear coaching guidance tailored to the exact grade of the umpire being observed.
- Supported Through CPD: Continuous professional development workshops, video review tools, and peer support.
Developer Roles & Skills Matrix
Developer grades provide the framework for progression, while skills define the roles developers can undertake. Developers can specialise and train in different areas based on what works best for them:
Developer Roles Breakdown
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- Focus: Support umpire performance and development across all grades.
- Key Activities: Pre-match chats, half-time check-ins, pitch side positioning advice, and post-match debriefs.
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- Focus: Provide longer-term development, reflection, confidence and progression support.
- Key Activities: Regular mentoring conversations, confidence building, goal setting and ongoing development support
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- Focus: Support accreditation and progression processes by conducting evaluations against agreed national standards.
- Key Activities: Objective match observation against national rubrics, scoring reports, and formal grade sign-offs.
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- Focus: Deliver formal learning opportunities, online modules, and training courses.
- Key Activities: Facilitating interactive discussions, explaining rule interpretations, and presenting curriculum modules.
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- Focus: Support officiating appointments and competition environments at multi-pitch events.
- Key Activities: Team briefings, appointment logistics, welfare checks, and tournament debriefs
What Makes an Effective Umpire Developer?
Developer training aligns with the eight EHO Umpire Developer Characteristics. Developers learn how to evaluate, coach, and support officials using this shared vocabulary, so feedback is always clear, positive, and consistent across all Areas:
- Communicator
- Growth Mindset
- Integrity
- Passionate Advocate
- Observer
- Relationship Builder
- Motivator
- Performance Assessment
Note on How Characteristics Are Used: Developer learning modules and observation forms focus on these exact characteristics. Developers are trained to adapt their coaching based on the umpire's current grade, encouraging growth while keeping expectations realistic for each stage.
Becoming an Umpire Developer
Whether you are an experienced official, a club volunteer, or someone passionate about supporting others, there is now a clear route to becoming an Umpire Developer.
Next Steps to Get Involved
- Explore the Developer Pathway: Review the developer grades and see where your experience fits.
- Learn About Developer Skills: Choose the developer roles (Coach, Assessor, Tutor, Mentor or Manager) that interest you most.
- Sign Up to Developer Training: Register for online developer modules and practical workshops via the Officiating Portal.
- Speak to Your Area Officiating Team: Contact your Area Officiating Lead for local opportunities and mentoring support.
Umpire Developer Transition
Existing developers, including assessors, coaches, tutors, mentors and managers, will be supported through the transition and mapped into the appropriate developer grade and skill roles, during the transition period. You will be invited to an update session before September 2027 to familiarise yourself with the new observation forms and portal tools.
Full details are covered on the Transition & Implementation page.
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What is the difference between a Developer Grade and a Developer Skill?
Developer Grades describe the level and environment in which you operate. Developer Skills describe the roles you undertake, such as Coach, Mentor, Assessor, Tutor or Manager. A developer may hold or develop more than one skill.
Can I develop more than one skill?
Yes. The structure is designed to allow developers to specialise in one or more skills depending on their experience, interests and the opportunities available to them.
What does a Coach do?
Coaches support umpire performance and development through activities such as pre-match conversations, pitch-side guidance, observation and post-match debriefs.
What does a Mentor do?
Mentors provide longer-term development and progression support, helping umpires reflect, build confidence, set goals and manage their development over time.
What is the role of an Assessor?
Assessors support progression by evaluating umpire performance against agreed England Hockey standards and assessment criteria.
I currently assess Level 1 Umpires as a Level 2 umpire. Can I continue to do this?
No. Under the new pathway, anyone wishing to assess will need to have completed the assessor skill training.
Do I have to be a highly experienced umpire to become a developer?
Developer opportunities are not limited to current high-level umpires. The pathway provides different grades and skills, allowing people with different experience and strengths to contribute to umpire development.
How will I be supported during the transition?
Existing developers will be supported through the transition and mapped into the appropriate developer grade and skill roles. England Hockey will work with Areas and NPUA to identify the existing developer workforce, and developers will be provided with information and update opportunities before implementation.