Dragon Young Umpire Award

Wales's Dragon Umpire Award is for young people of all ages. The Dragon Umpire Award is based on Mini Hockey (the 7-a-side hockey game). It's about young people learning the Rules in a fun environment, developing their confidence and building an understanding of the role of the hockey umpire (the referee) and then taking up the challenge and blowing the whistle in a Mini Hockey game.

There are 3 sections to the Young Umpire Award.

1. THEORY
   This involves a 1½ hours class room session where the young umpires are led through the Rules of Mini Hockey and the role and signals of the umpires followed by a 30 minute session on the pitch learning about the pitch marking, signals, positioning at set pieces (penalty corners, corners and penalty strokes) and mobility in open play and, explain the business of the umpires working together as a team.
    
2. TESTING
   This involves question and answering where the tutor gives scenarios and the group gives answers. It is not difficult.
    
3. PRACTICAL
   This is the last part of the Dragon Umpire Award. This is where the skills are pulled together and they umpire their first full game of Mini Hockey. The game will be in two halves (12 minutes each half). They will umpire with a friend; another young umpire on the Course and be supervised and assessed by the Teacher / Course Leader / Coach who will be at the side of the pitch throughout the game. 
   
   They are required to demonstrate an understanding of the Rules and the play, to be mobile, and to work as a team with the other umpire (there are 2 in each game), making good quality decisions and awarding penalties when required, while concentrating at all times.

The Course Leader needs to be qualified in at least one of the following areas to lead a Course:

• Accredited Hockey Coach (Level 1 or above)

• Accredited Umpire Coach (Level 1 or above)

• Accredited Hockey Umpire (Level 1 or above)

• Teacher with appropriate hockey experience

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