We are ensuring a smooth, fully supported transition for all active umpires, developers, and clubs leading up to the September 2027 launch.
How Qualifications & Roles Map Across
Existing accreditations will transition into the new structure, with each official receiving confirmation of their mapped grade before September 2027.
The transition and mapping process will use existing qualifications, information from Areas and Clubs, as well as data from GMS.
The intention is that existing officials can continue to umpire at an appropriate level following transition, with individual grade mapping confirmed before implementation.
Umpire Qualification Mapping
The final mapping process will use current accreditation, practical activity and information from GMS, Areas, NPUA and Clubs.
| Current Accreditation Level | Mapped New Grade |
| Level 1 (Unassessed) with no practical experience | Grade 5 |
| Level 1 (Unassessed) / Inactive Level 1 (Assessed) | Grade 4 |
| Level 1 (Assessed) / Inactive Level 2 | Grade 3 |
| Level 2 / Inactive Level 3 | Grade 2 |
| Level 3 | Grade 1 |
*Inactive umpires are ones who have not umpired at the Grade of hockey or above for at least 2 years.
Developer Role Mapping
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. England Hockey will work with Areas and NPUA to identify and map the existing developer workforce operating within each area.
| Examples of Current Operating Level | Mapped New Developer Grade | Core Operational Scope |
| Club Developer / Level 1 Coach / Assessor | Developer Grade 3 | Club officials operating at Grades 3, 4 and 5 |
| Regional / Panel / Level 2 Coach / Assessor | Developer Grade 2 | Umpires operating at Grade 2 level |
| NPUA / National / Level 3 Coach / Assessor | Developer Grade 1 | National officials at Grade 1 standard |
*Developers will be mapped across onto where they are currently operating, with information provided by Areas, NPUA and clubs
League & Competition Grade Alignment
Competition and League Regulations will be updated between January and March 2027 to align umpiring requirements with the new 5-grade pathway.
- Grade 1 – National League Premier, Division 1, Conference and other performance competitions: Grade 1 Umpires neutrally appointed centrally by NPUA
- Grade 2 – Top Division in Area plus the division below, and national development competitions: Grade 2 Umpires, neutrally appointed in the top division, but may be area or club appointed in the division below
- Grade 3 – Grade 3 divisions and appropriate Area development competitions: Grade 3 Umpires appointed by clubs, or the area where this is possible
- Grade 4 – Area lower Divisions and club and local competitions: Grade 4 Umpires provided by clubs
- Grade 5 – Area lowest divisions plus local development competitions: Grade 5 Umpires provided by clubs.
Match Appointing Responsibilities
- Grade 1: NPUA
- Grade 2: AOC for top division. Lower Divisions by Area or Club.
- Grade 3: Club or AOC, where possible
- Grade 4: Club
- Grade 5: Club
Step-by-Step Transition Guidance
- Grade Mapping: All existing accreditations will transfer into the new structure working with Areas, clubs and NPUA.
- Grace Period: Existing officials will receive clear transition arrangements and sufficient information to understand any necessary learning or update requirements.
- Implementation Support: EHO will offer check-ins for umpires, developers and clubs to ensure a smooth transition
Rollout Schedule (Feb 2026 – Sep 2027)
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- Feb – Apr 2026: 1:1 Area meetings, plus NPUA and TAP meetings, to discuss changes and gather input from Area Officiating Committees and Boards.
- Apr 2026 – Mar 2027: Recruit and train new and existing umpire developers ready for the Sept 2027 season; standardise assessment practice across all Areas.
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- Jun 2026 – Mar 2027: Design, develop, and test learning and assessment for new Grade 3 and Grade 2 courses; recruit and train tutors and coaches.
- Jan – Mar 2027: Work with league committees to update League and Competition Regulations so umpire requirements align with the new pathway.
- Jan – Jul 2027: Tech & system updates to ensure all behind the scenes is operational and working correctly.
- Mar – Jul 2027: Consult on existing EHO membership, develop, and launch the new membership package.
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- Oct 2026 – Sep 2027: Host roadshow sessions to communicate changes to existing and new officials nationwide.
- Apr – Jun 2027: Write to existing officials to confirm personal grade accreditation mapping.
- May –Sep 2027: Write to clubs and host Club Forums to support understanding of the changes.
- September 2027: Officiating Pathway implementation – start of transition season.
FAQs
When does the new pathway start?
The new Umpire Pathway will be implemented from September 2027. The transition programme will run throughout the period leading up to implementation, with communication, mapping, training and system changes taking place during 2026 and 2027.
What will happen to my current accreditation?
Existing accreditations will transition into the new five-grade structure. Individual grade mapping will be confirmed before implementation, using current accreditation, practical activity and information from GMS, Areas, NPUA and Clubs.
Will I lose my current grade or qualification?
No. Existing officials will not simply lose their current status when the new pathway launches. You will receive information about how your current accreditation maps to the new pathway before implementation.
How will you decide what grade I am mapped to?
The mapping process will consider your current accreditation, practical activity and relevant information held by GMS, Areas, NPUA and Clubs. The aim is to ensure that existing officials are able to continue officiating at an appropriate level following transition.
When will I find out my new grade?
Existing officials are expected to receive confirmation of their individual grade mapping between April and June 2027, ahead of the September 2027 implementation.
Will I have to stop umpiring while the transition takes place?
No. The intention is to support a smooth transition, with existing officials able to continue officiating while the new structure is introduced. Any specific learning, update or transition requirements will be communicated in advance.
What happens if I am inactive?
Inactive status will be considered as part of the mapping process. For transition purposes, an inactive umpire is one who has not umpired at the grade of hockey for at least two years. Umpires who are considered inactive, will be transitioned to a lower grade to the one they may currently hold.
How will existing developers be mapped?
England Hockey will work with Areas and NPUA to identify and map the existing developer workforce operating within each Area. Developers will be mapped into the appropriate developer grade and skill roles based on where they are currently operating and the information available from Areas, NPUA and clubs.
What will clubs need to do before September 2027?
Clubs should familiarise themselves with the new pathway, review their current umpire provision, identify opportunities to support developing umpires and engage with the Club Forums and ULO briefings taking place during 2027.
Will the league rules change?
Yes. Competition and League Regulations will be updated between January and March 2027 so that umpire requirements align with the new five-grade pathway.
Where can I find out more about the changes?
England Hockey will provide further information through roadshows, Area communication, club forums, ULO briefings and direct communication with existing officials ahead of implementation.