Clubs are where most umpires blow their first whistle and build their confidence. The new pathways make it easier for clubs to recruit, develop, and retain local officials, backed by clear appointment rules, practical tools, and direct support from Area Developer teams.
How Club Officiating Works
Role & Responsibilities
Club → Umpire Liaison Officer → Club/Local Developer Support → Grade 5 → Grade 4 → Progressing Grade 3
Recruit – encourage new umpires into Grade 5 accreditation
Develop – provide opportunities for practical umpiring
Support – use local developers and EHO resources
Retain – create a positive environment for umpire growth
Build Your Local Development Network
Clubs can create targeted, structured support for different groups of umpires:
- New Umpires: Offering first-whistle guidance, basic rules support, and reassuring pitch side presence.
- Developing Umpires: Providing regular match feedback, positioning tips, and practical confidence building.
- Young Umpires: Ensuring safe, encouraging, low-pressure environments with youth mentoring
- Progressing Umpires: Helping officials prepare for Area match appointments, formal assessments, and higher-grade leagues.
How the New Pathway Helps Your Club
Implementing the updated pathway brings tangible benefits to club management, team captains, and player retention:
- More Qualified Umpires: Clearer entry steps and ongoing developer support mean more beginner umpires stay active and progress to Grade 4.
- Consistent League Rule Expectations: Clear rules matrix across all Area leagues so clubs always know who can umpire which match.
- Better Match Day Welfare: Standardised guidance on spectator and team behaviour helps keep match environments safe and respectful for club umpires.
- Direct EHO & Area Support: Access to Area Developer support and opportunities for local foundation sessions and developer activities.
What Clubs Will Receive
To ensure clubs are fully supported through the pathway transition, England Hockey and Area Officiating Committees are building a complete support package. You won't have to navigate these changes alone, clubs will receive direct guidance across six core areas:
- Learning Resources: Access to online rules tests, foundation modules, and club training materials on Hockey Hub.
- Development Frameworks: Simple, step-by-step guidance showing how club members progress from Grade 5 to Grade 4.
- Access to Developer Training: Opportunities for experienced club members to complete developer modules and coach local umpires.
- Support from EHO and Areas: Umpire Developers help your club run local Umpire Foundation evenings and developer drop-ins.
- Clear Standards for Umpire Progression: Transparent criteria so clubs know what is expected of their officials at every match level.
- Consistent National Guidance: Unified league requirement rules and match day welfare standards across all Areas.
Preparing Your Club for September 2027
Club Forums and ULO briefing sessions will be held between May and October 2027 to help club leaders understand the updated league requirement matrices and portal admin updates.
Full details are covered on the Transition & Implementation page.
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What does my club need to do differently?
Clubs will continue to play a central role in recruiting, supporting and developing umpires. The new pathway provides clearer expectations, appointment requirements and development resources to help clubs support officials from Grade 5 onwards.
Who can umpire our matches under the new pathway?
The grade required will depend on the competition. The league and competition requirements will align with the five umpire grades, with the relevant appointment responsibilities set out in the updated regulations.
What is a Club Umpire Liaison Officer (ULO)?
The ULO provides a key link between the club, its umpires and the wider officiating community. They can help new and developing umpires access support, development opportunities and relevant England Hockey resources.
How can we help a new umpire develop?
Give them regular opportunities to umpire, create a supportive environment, provide constructive feedback and connect them with your club's developers or ULO. England Hockey will also provide resources to support practical development.
Does the club need to provide developers?
Clubs are encouraged to develop local support for their umpires. Experienced club members can take on appropriate developer skills and access developer training as the new structure is introduced.
Where can clubs get help with the changes?
England Hockey will provide guidance and support during the transition. Club Forums and ULO briefing sessions are planned during 2027 to help clubs understand the updated requirements and systems.
Will the new pathway change who appoints umpires?
The new pathway aligns umpire grades with competition structures and sets out clearer appointment responsibilities. Grade 1 appointments are centrally managed by NPUA. The top division in Grade 2 will be appointed neutrally by Area Officiating Committees, whilst lower Grade 2 games may be appointed by clubs. Grade 3 competitions will be appointed to primarily by clubs, but Areas may choose to appoint to assist with umpire development and progression. Grade 4 and Grade 5 will be appointed by clubs.