In response to a recent query put to The Hook, the Leinster Hockey Umpire's Association has laid out below the recruitment process to becoming an umpire. It is the same path that Ray O'Connor followed along with top current umpire Geoff Conn, leading to them travelling around the world, getting to see the action at its closest:
From there, potential umpires can advise what experience they currently have, what level they are currently umpiring at, your availability and what level you aspire to.
From there, the LHUA appoint to appropriate fixtures with senior umpires to partner you with at an early stage with mentoring also available along with umpiring shirts, jacket, cards and whistles.
The LHUA has three grades (3 - Foundation, 2 - Intermediate, 1 - Senior) that umpires progress through based on reports and gradings. Currently Grades 1 and 2 umpire in the Leinster Senior League.
Should you have any further queries, contact the relevant appointment secretary above. This post will be re-posted as the 2009/10 season approaches so as to offer potential umpires a reminder as hockey gets back into gear next Autumn.
17 comments:
Why do we always see Mick O'Connor being booked?
Haha true as a team mate Mick rarely gets cards pretty much never actually.
It's because his face always makes a good picture. It always so indignant.
How to be an umpire: this sounds great - but where is the development - you cannot come into the panel at a foundation level, you need some experience and you need to be assessed at the level you currently umpire at - a senior 1 umpire should assess you - in the ladies you should be doing sen 3, then into senior 2 and finally with the help and assistance of the senior umpires you will get to umpire at senior 1 level - but not all in the one year
Development comes in many formats.
- Through umpiring with LHUA members at your appropriate level (LHUA provide umpires down to Div 3/4/5 depending on availability).
- Grading reports and match feedback.
- Attending coaching sessions.
As a result you would develop and progress through the levels (not necessarily in one year but depends on your ability and ambition).
Recommendation re LHUA watching you umpire at your level (club hockey) taken on board.
I think Mick would be a very good umpire.asf
Hi FINDLATS,does this apply to 16yr olds who want to start umpiring? because it is very difficult to find the right people to talk to.
Why don't more of us take an interest in umpiring. Look how successful Ray and Carol have been.
The trouble is there is no clear path of development - you are right if a 16yr old wants to umpire who do you talk to - if its the LHUA - do't bother they only want you when your of some use to them and not before - any and all umpires have learned there trade via schools and clubs - the grass roots of irish hockey - this is where the development needs to start - get into the schools for the TY year, most of the hockey playing schools do "hockey leadership" do the underage tournaments on sundays - this would be a great starting point, the boys under 16 league and cup have found that whoever is on the sideline will do to umpire. These young men - most of who are playing senior hockey within there own clubs - deserve a certain level of umpiring. These matches are on a friday evening or sunday - this would be a great area for the LHUA to "blood" new umpires and the senior umpires would be free to see these new umpires and help and advise them, there are so many oppuntunties out there, but if we continue as we are at the present moment all are senior umpires will be using a zimmer frame up move up and down the sideline.
docket the clubs points who don't provide umpires to the lhua. you will get a rush of new umpires..............
Ray and Carol have achieved so much, but the main problem in leinster is that when players decide to take up umpiring they are too old to go any further, Carol got to the top of her game and retired at the top and the next season got straight into umpiring she was young and fit enough to do this - but remember you don't have to have played at senior level, anyone can learn the rules but you need a feel for the game - remember umpiring is not always black and white - I took up umpiring when I retired from playing because I wanted to stay involved and also I wanted to put something back into hockey, a sport that I really enjoyed & would have to say its a decision I don't regret
So come on all you experts that hide behind the fence every weekend, why not pick up a whistle and give it a go - there will be a break, but come august the pre season friendlies will start, why not umpire these - if you are serious contact the LHUA and see will they be able to put out a senior umpire with you - isn't it worth a try?
Dock the clubs:
In previous years in ladies hockey, if you had a team playing in senior 1 you had to nominate an umpire, sadly this has gone by the wayside, the clubs needs to have there hand forced and Leinster need to do it if we are to survive, I agree with the comment "dock the clubs points" there is no point in fining them, they will pay the fine and move on but docking them points - well now they will sit up and take notice, might be a very interesting final league table next season!!
Re 12.56 good points:
The LHUA needs to set up a training section. Now that ray has stoped umpiring he could set it up.
I don't think there is a lack of development within the Umpiring Structure, I started umpiring this year and every Senior umpire that i officiated with gave me helpful tips after each match, and often Senior umpires (Including Ray) would come up and watch matches i officiated without a Senior Partner and give me help and tips afterwards.
If you want to get started it is always good to get experience with Under age games and lower Leagues (I started with Division 10 ladies and as i got comfortable moved to higher standards) and if ever you want help, a phone call to the LHUA is all it takes and someone will come out and help you out, offer tips, and even assess you.
I agree that we have some serious problems on the umpiring front. We have to many sub standard umpires and no way to hope of getting 10/15 new umpires that are required. As someone who enjoyed a year of doing div 3/2 mens umpiring, the temptation to continue playing is to much. Something needs to be done. I don't think it is fair to have the umpires appointments secretary waiting for match times from those who play and want to umpire as well, so some new ideas are needed.
As most div 1/3 games are paired together, why are we supplying branch umpires to Div 3. From seeing div 1 players, 90% seem to think they have more than a competent knowledge of the rules and how they should be applied. So get clubs to cover those matches by Div 1 players. And have it clear that the intention is for Div 1 players to do it, and not another old timer who will be standing on the side of the pitch anyway.
Also, the idea posted in relation to getting guys to cover the u16s games is a good one.
Also, it has been touched upon before, but the level respect shown to umpires at the senior level, is incredibly low. Maybe that is borne out of frustration, but if a new wave of umpires is to come along, they should be supported in stamping it out.
Fal
Re 12.40pm 29th. Apr.
I wish to correct you. The LHUA want umpires of all ages who are fit enough to umpire. We are particularly interested in umpires, male and female, between the ages of 16 and 30. But that does not rule out other ages. We intend setting up an Umpires Youth Academy in Sept. 2009 if we can get an adequate number of potential umpires. We hope to have two centres, one on the southside and one on the northside for training. We anticipate that by the end of the season participants will be at a level where they can umpire underage and junior level competently. Full details have not yet been finalized, but you can be sure both Carol and Ray will be involved, together with other qualified umpires. Anybody wishing to take up this offer should contact either of the persons listed in earlier comments or myself directly before 1st. Sept. Don Cowman President LHUA at dnj@gofree.indigo.ie or mobile 087-2556839
While many complain about the umpires, if you look at the blog, they are using this method of information much better than other aspects of the game, supplying info readily and signs are they are making a real effort. Lets get behind them with these new ventures!
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