It's something of a cliche that the club can never have enough umpires and here a few stats to illustrate that for you:

• Just 6 umpires officiated 50% of our umpiring slots for the 2022-23 league season
• Just 12 umpires officiated 80% of our umpiring slots for the 2022-23 league season
• There are just 19 qualified umpires in the entire club, most of whom are also playing members

Every week in the league season, the club needs 12 umpires to officiate at home matches and there are numerous other occasions when they are required such as youth and adult cup matches on Sundays and friendly inter-club tournaments.

Being an umpire gives you a different perspective on the game and it can be very rewarding - playing a great advantage, being in the perfect position to make a crucial decision or simply adding to your clubmate's enjoyment of our wonderful sport. Our umpires do get paid for their services - £15 a game - but that's not the reason that we do it.

Becoming an umpire has never been easier. England Hockey run regular online courses to get you started; information can be found here https://hockeyhub.englandhockey.co.uk/umpiring_info

Our pool of qualified umpires are only too happy to support developing umpires by partnering, watching or coaching others as they progress. If you're interested in joining the club's umpire pool, then please get in touch with our Umpiring Manager, Eddie Gibson.

Thank you.