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 Hockey Wales 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 Hockey Wales 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, of which one player in each team is normally 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.
To umpire in Wales you have to be a qualified umpire (or undertaking training), a member of the WHUA and registered with Hockey Wales. When this is completed not only will you be a registered umpire, qualified to umpire games but you will also have civil liability insurance cover and be supported by the Association to develop your umpiring skills so you can gain even more satisfaction from the game.
The WHUA has been set up with the main aim to improve and develop umpires and technical officials and is affiliated to Hockey Wales as the arm to manage this process. To be qualified it is necessary to go on an umpire's course. These are a number available periodically throughout Wales and further details can be obtained through the Regional Development Officers.
NORTH WALES
Ian Wright, 17 Cae Rhos, Holyhead LL65 21LF
Tel: 01407 761124 (h); 07766 602299 (m)
Email: iand.wright@tesco.net
SOUTH WALES
Mrs Carolyn Llewellyn, 2A Heol Cwm Ifor, Caledfryn, Caerphilly CF83 2EU
Tel: 07740 717829
Email: carolyn.llew@btopenworld.com
WHUA Committee
As an Association the WHUA has an elected committee and holds an annual AGM. Further information on the WHUA can be obtained from any of the following:
CHAIR (INTERIM)
John Turton, Garth Hall,
Abertridwr,
Caerphilly, CF83 2DS
Tel: 029-2083-0261 (H)
Email: JTurton1@aol.com
SECRETARY
Mrs Carolyn Llewellyn, 2A Heol Cwm Ifor, Caledfryn, Caerphilly CF83 2EU
Tel: 07740 717829 (M)
Email: carolyn.llew@btopenworld.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY/TREASURER
Mrs Ann Houlston, 9 Woodside Gardens, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 2NW
Tel: 01745 332889 (H)
Email: ann.houlston@yahoo.co.uk
APPOINTMENTS CHAIRMAN
John Turton, Garth Hall,
Abertridwr,
Caerphilly, CF83 2DS
Tel: 029-2083-0261 (H)
Email: JTurton1@aol.com
NORTH REGION REPRESENTATIVE
Alan Brookes, Glenroyd, Firbrook Ave, Connah's Quay, Flintshire, CH5 4PF
Tel: 01244-831386 (H)
E-mail: cabros@talktalk.net
(+1 vacant position)
SOUTH REGION REPRESENTATIVE
Mike Riches,
355 Chapelwood, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, CF23 9EQ
029-2054-9471 (H); 07733-101423 (M)
E-mail: mr.riches@cardiff.gov.uk
John Taylor,
7 College Close, Bridgend, CF31 3DL
Tel: 01656-651826 (H); 07714-310265 (M)
E-mail: johnttaylor77@gmail.com
HOCKEY WALES REPRESENTATIVE
Helen Bushell
Tel: 029 2033 4984 (O); 07813 315469 (M)
Email: helen.bushell@hockeywales.org.uk
Once qualified you will be eligible to become a member of the WHUA. FIH Rule books can be obtained by contacting Anne Mullin at anne.mullin@talktalk.net
Membership Levels
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
New members will remain in this category having achieved Level 1 Award and where they intend to umpire their own club's league matches on an occasional basis rather than be a "neutral umpire" for the purposes of receiving direct appointments from WHUA. Membership will only continue and the Level 1 Award qualification is valid for up to four years, upon payment of the appropriate subscription for the full four-year period, and undertaking a minimum of 5 games perseason at the appropriate club level. Thereafter the Associate Member will be required to re-qualify upon expiry of the four-year qualification, unless being upgraded into any of the categories that follow hereunder.
MEMBER
Any member who has passed the Level 1 Award can be a member of the Welsh Hockey Umpires Association on payment of an annual fee. The full member is an active umpire who wishes to be considered for club league matches on a regular basis and/or act as a "neutral umpire" and receive direct appointments from the WHUA. To be an active member the umpire must umpire a minimum of 7 games per season at an appropriate level. The member will pay an annual fee of membership as agreed at the AGM. The Umpires' Award will only be valid whilst in membership of the WHUA.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
Members who have given exemplary service to the Association can be made an Honorary Life Member of the Association. This is agreed at an AGM.
LIFE MEMBER
Those members who have reached the age of 60 years can apply for Life Membership at a small fee.
