Wellington Hockey is excited to announce a brand new Student Umpire Development Programme, designed to support secondary school students who are transitioning from half-field to full-field hockey umpiring, as well as those who are new to umpiring 11-a-side hockey.

This 4-week programme focuses on building confidence, improving game understanding, and developing the core skills needed to umpire full-field matches in a supportive and encouraging environment. It will run alongside Wellington Hockey’s Introduction to 11-a-side Hockey programme for players, helping ensure both players and officials are learning and developing together.

The programme is aimed at students who have previously acted as school-appointed umpires, as well as students who are keen to start umpiring full-field hockey during the Secondary School winter season, particularly in U15 and P3/P4 grades.

Across the four weeks, participants will:

• Learn the key differences between half-field and full-field hockey

• Build confidence in core umpiring skills such as positioning, whistle use, communication, and game management

• Take part in a mix of classroom-based learning and on-field practical sessions

• Be supported and guided by an experienced group of umpire coaches

This programme is designed to create a positive learning environment where student umpires can grow in confidence, ask questions, and get plenty of hands-on experience as they make the step into full-field hockey.

Programme Details

• Venue: National Hockey Stadium (NHS)

• Time: Fridays, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

• Dates: Starts 6 March and runs for 4 weeks, finishing 27 March

• Format: Mix of theory and practical sessions

• Cost: Free to attend

Wellington Hockey is seeking expressions of interest from students who may be keen to take part.

How to Register

Students and young umpires can register their interest by emailing: kieran@wellingtonhockey.org.nz

Wellington Hockey looks forward to supporting the next generation of umpires and helping more young officials step confidently into full-field hockey.