Hockey Umpiring in Wales
Welcome to our Welsh Hockey Umpires Association (WHUA) pages, dedicated to supporting umpires, umpire coaches, umpire managers and technical officials.
The WHUA is the arm of the WHU dedicated to the development and accreditation of umpiring and technical officials an if you're reading this page, the chances are you're either an accredited umpire or you are interested in gaining an umpiring or technical related accreditation. Whether you are a complete beginner or have lots of experience we hope you will find what you're looking but if you don't, please let us know and we will try to help. There are a number of downloads, links and notes that have chosen to include in these pages to assist you so please take a minute or two to look through them. If there is something you think is really important and has been missed please let us know and we will consider including it. We are currently developing a number of teaching packs on umpiring, umpiring coaching, etc., which will be available to coaches etc in the near future. The WHUA together with the WHU are dedicated to improving umpiring in Wales and new schemes will be featured in this section in the future so please visit as often as you can.
Umpiring forms and documents are available from our 'Downloads' page
Background
Hockey is played by two teams of up to 11 players, one player in each team must be a goalkeeper. Games are managed by two umpires who have to work as a team to ensure that every game is played in the right spirit, the rules of hockey are enforced for the players' safety and enjoyment and that fair play is always observed.
It is essential for umpires to be consistent and therefore they must be qualified to undertake this very important duty. By qualify through the WHUA an umpire can become consistent with their decisions and maintain the respect of the players, can make fair decisions to ensure that the correct justice is maintained and can aim to become a better umpire and so enjoy the game and be themselves.
Therefore, it is essential that all umpires have a thorough knowledge of the Rules of Hockey but never forget that the spirit of the Rules and common sense must be always at the forefront of umpire's thoughts. An umpire is there to encourage skilful play but deal with offences and apply the appropriate penalties and manage the game.
Therefore a number of tools must be learned and these are taught within the appropriate courses and grading of umpires, which are available through the WHUA.
Umpiring allows you to be part of and assist the development of the game and be an active member of the hockey family in Wales.