Hockey Umpiring

Hockey Umpiring offers the reader a wide range of tips, guidance and expertise that collectively aim to improve performance and understanding. It should be noted that some of the references to the Rules of Hockey are now out of date, however they represent only a small part of a very comprehensive guide.

Written by Jane Nockolds (International Umpire Coach and Manager, retired, with more than 20 years of international experience), the aim of Hockey Umpiring is to provide umpires with advice, guidance and a variety of valuable facts and tips, all of which when considered together will lead to better performance and greater enjoyment.

Contents include Psychological Skills, Fitness, Match Preparation, The Language of the Game, Rules, Penalties and Procedures, Reflection and Evaluation plus other information such as Tournament Hockey, Indoor Hockey and Use of Video.

In the pages that follow we will consider the Rules, the necessity for full understanding of the play, tactical awareness, the skills of the umpire, the need for good communication, physical and mental fitness and the language of the umpire, including body language and how to speak through your whistle. We will look at areas that sometimes cause confusion, the importance of developing confidence and coping with conflict. 


Hockey is changing. It is getting ever faster. The skills are less mechanical; the variation of pass and technique so competently executed on the international stage are now commonly demonstrated at junior, college and club level.  


It is a growing sport. The worldwide audience created through increasing levels of television exposure and the development of web-based viewing has contributed immensely to the development of the game.  There is less whistle, more flow, less interference, more management, less boredom, more excitement for the audience and the participants…and the umpires have a genuinely big role to play.  


Written by Jane Nockolds

FIH Umpires Manager and Coach (retired)

World Panel Hockey Umpire (retired)

©Jane Nockolds and Sports Resources 2013