Wellington Hockey will have four officials attending this year's National Under-18 Tournaments, with Josh McDougall, Max Wallace and Jack Campbell appointed to the National Under-18 Men's Tournament in Tauranga, while Ashley Hanaray will officiate at the National Under-18 Women's Tournament in Palmerston North.

The appointments are another positive reflection of Wellington Hockey's officiating pathway, with four officials selected across the two national tournaments. Through regular coaching, mentoring, feedback and opportunities to officiate across secondary school, senior and representative hockey, Wellington Hockey provides officials with a clear pathway to develop and progress towards national appointments.

For Wallace and Campbell, the appointments mark their first National Under-18 Tournaments and another significant milestone in their officiating journeys.

Originally from Canterbury, Wallace first picked up a whistle through his local club before moving to Wellington three years ago. Since then, he has immersed himself in Wellington Hockey's officiating pathway, working alongside experienced coaches and senior officials while steadily progressing through local and representative appointments.

"I started as a player, but after some back issues I stopped playing. Umpiring became my way to stay involved in the game and I've grown to love it," Wallace said.

He says the supportive culture within Wellington Hockey has been instrumental in his development.

"The community is so good and there are so many cool opportunities. Everyone's willing to help you improve, which has made a huge difference."

Now preparing for his first National Under-18 Tournament, Wallace is looking forward to testing himself alongside officials from around New Zealand while continuing to learn from experienced umpire coaches throughout the week.

"It's more about showing the best version of myself and developing along the way. I want to keep learning every game, get feedback from experienced umpire coaches and maintain that standard from the first match through to the last."

Campbell's pathway has followed a similar trajectory. Originally from the Wairarapa and now studying in Wellington, he first picked up a whistle while helping officiate school hockey before progressing into senior hockey. Since moving to Wellington, he has continued progressing through the Wellington Hockey officiating pathway, benefiting from consistent coaching, mentoring and regular feedback that has accelerated his development.

Selection for the National Under-18 Tournament came as an exciting surprise after receiving his first national appointment at last year's Rankin Cup.

"It was a massive achievement. I wasn't really expecting it this year, so getting that email was really exciting," Campbell said.

Like Wallace, Campbell is excited by the opportunity to learn from officials around the country and continue building his experience at national level.

"I'm really looking forward to working with a whole bunch of umpires from around the country, seeing different umpiring styles and learning heaps from them and the umpire coaches as well."

Campbell says the support network around him has been a key factor in helping him reach this point.

"Having a support network is awesome. After every game I get feedback on what went well, what I need to work on and what to take into my next game. That really helped me get selected for Under-18s."

Both officials also acknowledged the many people who have supported their development, from family members and former associations through to the experienced coaches, mentors and fellow officials within Wellington Hockey. That collaborative environment has helped prepare them for the step up to their first national age-group tournament.

Their advice for aspiring officials considering picking up the whistle is simple.

"Put your hand up, get involved and be willing to learn. Ask for feedback, watch experienced officials and take every opportunity you can," Wallace said.

Campbell echoed that message.

"Have the confidence to do it, have the confidence to ask for feedback and just enjoy it."

Joining the two debutants in Tauranga is Josh McDougall, who returns to the National Under-18 Men's Tournament after previous appointments. His continued selection reflects his ongoing development and consistency as an official, while highlighting the opportunities available for officials to continue progressing through the Wellington Hockey officiating pathway.

Ashley Hanaray will also return to the National Under-18 Women's Tournament in Palmerston North. Having previously officiated at the event, Hanaray continues to build on her national experience and is another example of the strength and depth of officials progressing through Wellington Hockey's officiating pathway.

With two officials making their National Under-18 debuts and two returning to the national stage, Wellington Hockey's presence across both tournaments reflects the strength of its officiating pathway and the commitment of the coaches, mentors and senior officials who support developing umpires throughout their journey. The appointments recognise not only the dedication of Josh, Max, Jack and Ashley, but also the collaborative environment that helps officials take the next step towards national hockey.

Wellington Hockey congratulates Josh, Max, Jack and Ashley on their well-deserved appointments and wishes them every success at this year's National Under-18 Tournaments. We look forward to following their journeys and know they will represent themselves and the Wellington officiating community with pride.