South Central Officiating: Early Season Umpire Development Opportunity

South Central Officiating is delighted to announce an early-season umpire development opportunity on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Trojans Hockey Club.

The day is particularly aimed at umpires taking neutral appointments in South Central, but club umpire developers and club umpires considering taking on neutral appointments are also very welcome.

The focus will be on understanding and observing the updated rules in practice, with experienced developers available throughout the day to support umpires, answer questions and share their knowledge.

A day of learning and observation

The programme has been designed to give umpires the flexibility to attend as much or as little as their commitments allow.

The day will include two presentations covering the updated rules, alongside opportunities to observe a range of matches and discuss what is happening on the pitch.

Programme

11:15am – Early attendees meet in the Function Room at Trojans

11:30am – New Rules Session 1

12:15pm – Preparation for observing Match 1

12:30pm – Trojans W2 v Southampton 1
Women’s Prem 2 level friendly

1:30–2:15pm – Buffet lunch available in the Function Room

2:15pm – Preparation for observing Match 2

2:30pm – Trojans W1 v Oxford Hawks 1
National League Conference level friendly

3:45pm – New Rules Session 2
Repeat of the morning session

4:15pm – Preparation for observing Match 3

4:30pm – Trojans M1 v Indian Gym 1
National League Conference level friendly

Umpires do not need to commit to the whole day. Those who can attend just one of the rules sessions are very welcome, while others may wish to observe one, two or all three matches.

There is also no requirement to work as part of a developer/umpire group. Umpires can attend and observe at their own pace around their other commitments.

Continuing the conversation

Due to the tight timings of the day, formal observed umpire debriefs will not take place immediately after the matches.

Instead, umpires are encouraged to bring their questions and learning points to the first Monday Mixer of the new season on Monday 14 September.

The rules session will also be recorded and made available afterwards for those who are unable to attend either opportunity.

Register your interest

If you would like to attend, please visit umpiredev.co.uk and complete the relevant registration form.

Registering your interest will ensure you receive the latest information and confirmation of the arrangements.

More opportunities across South Central

We recognise that Trojans is towards the southern end of the South Central Area. This opportunity has been made possible through an offer from Trojans Hockey Club, and further development opportunities will be arranged in other parts of the Area during the season.

Clubs in the northern part of South Central are encouraged to get in touch if they have suitable fixtures or events that could provide an opportunity to “piggy-back” a future umpire development session.

Whether you are an experienced neutral umpire, a club umpire thinking about taking the next step, or a club umpire developer looking to support others, this is a great opportunity to start the new season by developing your knowledge, confidence and understanding of the game.