Umpiring Resources

Learn to Umpire

From complete beginner to experienced international umpire, everyone is still learning, and the Auckland Hockey Umpires Association are here to support and foster that learning.

Hockey New Zealand have put together a simple guidebook that explains some of the basic rules and techniques for anyone to get started in their umpiring journey. It is a great intro to umpiring and will provide new or novice with a great foundation before attending a Learn to Umpire course.

Auckland Hockey Umpires run a number of Learn To Umpire courses throughout a season, with the majority in March/April before the season begins. These are a comprehensive guide to get you prepared to umpire your first match. There is no prior knowledge required however an understanding of the game of hockey is an advantage.

Upon completion and comprehension of one of these courses you will have acquired the theory portion of the Community/Junior HockeyNZ badge, and will be on your first step towards a HockeyNZ grading. Learn more

To find out when the next Learn to Umpire course is check out the Events Calendar or get in touch below

Field Hockey Rules

To download the latest FIH International Rules for 11-a-side hockey click here

There is also a handy FIH Rules app, click below to download

Auckland Hockey competitions operate under the FIH rules of hockey with a few additions/adaptations. The main Local Rule differences are:

Intercity & Prem Reserve grades: 17min Quarters, all Division Grades: 35min Halves
Time is only stopped for serious injury
If the water cannons come on the game is completed.

For the full Auckland Hockey Rules and Code of Conduct please see the links below

Umpiring Pathways

Each individual umpires Development Pathway is unique and there is no roadmap to success. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and will start and peak at different points.

However there are some common Pathways that umpires progress through in their umpiring career which can be seen in the map below:

The Junior Umpire Pathway is slightly more linear, but also sees umpires progresses at their own pace. There is no right or wrong way to begin the umpiring journey but the common steps taken are mapped out below:

AHUA 2020 Umpires Briefing

Umpiring Videos

Check out this selection of videos relating to umpiring. The first three are hockey specific, while the next three are from a rugby or coaching perspective but are still relevant to your career as a hockey umpire.