Certified umpires enjoy the credibility of the field hockey community and of the athletes they officiate because they have been observed and evaluated “doing” what is required of them as a competent official in their sport. They are recognized as meeting or exceeding the high standards embraced by the member clubs and provincial branches in Canada. Fostering confidence at all levels of field hockey, certification is a benefit shared by athletes, parents, sport organizations and our communities.
For a list of current appointments and information on Canadian officials, click here: OFFICIALS APPOINTMENTS
| Level | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| Community | Introductory level: For youth, high school, and low-level hockey |
| Provincial | Introductory level:u00a0 For local/club competitive and junior provincial level |
| Regional | Premier club hockey and junior national/regional championships |
| Canadian | Senior national championships/university hockey and international test matches |
| Provincial Indoor | Introductory level: For local / club competitive and junior provincial level indoor matches |
Where do I start?
Any person who has never held FHC Umpiring Certification is required to start at either the Community or Provincial level, then progress. Your local umpiring contact should also be able to advise you.
Community
This is a good option if you are new to the sport or interested in umpiring your local junior high, high school or lower level leagues. The course will cover basic rules, communication tools and practical scenarios that you may experience. It will teach you how to deal with situations and facilitate the game. FHC and our Officials Committee work with our Provincial members and International partners to develop up to date courses. We are moving to get these online and fully accessible where possible. The community course is now online and can be ACCESSED HERE.
Provincial
If you are interested in umpiring towards a higher level – you should begin here. The course will cover the rules, communication and game management tools, and theoretical and practical scenarios you may experience.
Umpiring Courses
There are three levels of umpiring courses. 1) Community 2) Provincial 3) Regional
There is now a Provincial and Community Indoor Umpiring Course.
To find out when the next clinic will be offered in your area, contact your Provincial Association (link to Provincial Associations page).
Course Material
The Course Material is available electronically. PSOs and qualified course conductors can email Susan Ahrens to obtain a copy. There is a $5 charge to Field Hockey Canada per participant.
The material has been updated. Contact Susan Ahrens for the new Dropbox location.
Umpire Development Model – Outdoor
| CRITERIA | COMMUNITY | PROVINCIAL | REGIONAL | CANADIAN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM AGE* | 13+ | 13+ | 18+ | 18+ |
| EXAM FORMAT | ONLINE Community course Multiple choice exam | 6hr Provincial course (In-person or online); written / multi-choice exam | 5hr Regional course; written / multi-choice exam | Oral presentation & discussion of set questions |
| QUALIFICATION CRITERIA | 75% Exam; 1 Field Assessment | 75% Exam; 2 Field Assessments | 80% Exam; 2 Field Assessments | Pass oral presentation; give presentation at Prov./Reg. Clinic; 2 Field Assessments |
| LEVEL OF PLAY | U13 - U16 & high school Must be full field | Local / Club competitive, U18 & below Provincial Championships | Premier, U21 & U18 Nationals & University matches | Premier, USport matches, international fixtures |
| DURATION | 4 Years | 4 Years | 4 Years | 2 Years |
| RENEWAL PROCESS (before expiration) | 1 Field Assessment | 2 Field Assessments by two different Assessors* | 2 Field Assessments by two different Assessors | 2 Field Assessments by two different Assessors |
| PHYSICAL FITNESS | Note: Assessors are assigned by FHC Officials Committee | Adequate fitness level | Good fitness standard based on assessment criteria | Excellent fitness; yo-yo test may be required to retain certification or for international fixtures |
Updated July 2024. Until December 31st 2026 only 1 field assessment is required for Provincial Certification in SK, MB, QC, NB, NS, PEI & NL
Umpire Development Model – Indoor
| CRITERIA | PROVINCIAL | REGIONAL |
|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM AGE* | 13+ | 16+ |
| EXAM FORMAT | 6hr Provincial course, in-person or online; multi-choice exam | 6hr Regional course, in-person; written / multi-choice exam |
| QUALIFICATION CRITERIA | 75% Exam; 2 Field Assessments | 80% Exam; 2 Field Assessments |
| LEVEL OF PLAY | Local / Club competitive, U18 & below | Invitational Tournaments; International Fixtures |
| DURATION | 4 Years | 4 Years |
| RENEWAL PROCESS (before expiration) | 2 Field Assessments by two different Assessors | 2 Field Assessments by two different Assessors |
| PHYSICAL FITNESS | Adequate fitness level | Good fitness standard based on assessment criteria |
Updated July 2024
Hosting a National Championships?
For reference, here is the Field Hockey Canada 2018 Tournament Regulations
UMPIRES CERTIFIED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
Umpires with certification from outside of Canada, may be eligible for an equivalency rating if:
· An Individual can provide evidence of valid credentials from another country (credentials granted in the last three years), and
· Appropriate equivalency with Field Hockey Canada ratings determined in consultation with the Field Hockey Canada Officials Committee
Individuals with credentials equivalent to a Field Hockey Canada Provincial rating or higher may request on-field assessments. Field Hockey Canada credentials will be awarded upon successful completion of these on-field assessments.
