As we get ready for the 2026 hockey season, all officials intending to umpire within the Open Grade competition are invited to attend our pre-season Officials Open Grade Umpires Briefing.
This session is an important opportunity to align expectations for the season ahead and ensure everyone is confident with the systems and processes that support our competitions. Whether you are a new umpire stepping into Open Grade, a developing official, or an experienced member of our community, this briefing will help set the tone for the season.
We also welcome club-appointed umpires who officiate Reserve Grade matches, as the session will provide useful insight into the responsiblities of officials on game day, provide clarity on rule interperations, have a chance to ask questions, and how officials are supported.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 11 March
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Venue: National Hockey Stadium – Boardroom
Format: In-person session
What We’ll Cover
During the session we will cover several key areas to help prepare officials for the season ahead, including:
2026 Open Grade season updates
Key rules and interpretation focus areas
Expectations for officials during the season
MatchRef and appointments processes
Officials merchandise
Opportunity for questions and discussion
Who Should Attend
This briefing is mandatory for all officials intending to umpire Open Grade matches during the 2026 season.
We encourage attendance from:
New umpires entering Open Grade
Developing officials
Experienced Open Grade umpires
Club-appointed Reserve Grade umpires
We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions ahead of the briefing, please reach out to Kieran at kieran@wellingtonhockey.org.nz
Yo-Yo Fitness Test
For those required to complete a fitness test for HNZ as performance umpires, or anyone who would like to participate, we will run a Yo-Yo fitness test prior to the briefing starting at 6pm.
Please arrive warmed up prior to 6:00pm as the test will start promptly once we gain access to a turf which would most likely be NHS 3.
An additional Yo-Yo fitness test will also be held on Wednesday 18 March at 6:45pm. Please meet at the pavilion and we will head to an available turf.
