Complete the New Official Form, also found at the bottom of this page if you are interested in becoming an official. We will be in touch as training opportunities become available.
Requirements:
Complete Google form on website nhfhua.org
Classroom training (minimum of 6-8 hrs)
Pass the NFHS written exam
Field training with certified umpires
Rating Day in August
Expected Costs for Training:
$75 training costs payment to NHFHUA:
Classroom training, field training opportunities, whistle and game cards, rule book, NFHS test prep, and rating opportunity. Ratings are generally completed in August before the start of the season.
$90 membership dues to NHFHUA (our state association)...youth membership cost is fee of middle school/JV game, and regular membership cost is the fee of a varsity game
Additional costs:
NHIAA $65/yr, includes access to NFHS (National Federation of High School sports resources), covers all high school sports umpired for the year
Optional membership: USA field hockey umpire $95, includes insurance
Equipment:
Umpire shirt: approx $35
Black kilt/pants
Details:
Complete Google form expressing interest in becoming a field hockey umpire. See below for form.
Determine if you want to pursue training at this time which will result in an opportunity to be rated and work the upcoming field hockey fall season. If you don’t want to get rated and still want to participate in training that is your option. You will have to pay a separate rating fee when you decide to get rated.
Ratings expire every year or two years depending on your level of rating. Once you have an initial rating, there are no more charges to be re-rated as long as you are a current member in good standing.
If you would like to be considered for a training program this year, please send a check payable to NHFHUA for $75
Please write: Training program in the memo line
There are a couple times training occurs
Summer into Fall
The best time to participate in training to become a field hockey official is the summer.
There are multiple opportunities with summer play to begin developing your skills.
Umpires in training will work with an experience umpiring shadowing them on the field and when ready begin umpiring with the experienced umpire backing you up. Summer play is a low key environment and ideal for training.
Winter into Spring
There are many indoor games during the winter that offer opportunities for training.
An umpire in training would shadow an experienced umpire on the field and then when ready begin to umpire the game with the support of the experienced umpire.
Indoor play is a little different than outdoor games but provides an opportunity to train while observing a fast moving game.
Earning Your Rating
After your training is complete an umpire will stand for their rating.
Our primary rating time is at the end of the summer in August and shortly before the fall season begins.
At the end first week of high school practices, we will hold our rating days at various locations. Umpires sign up for a date and location. There may be some adjustments based on the level of play.
An umpire in training will be rated by 2-3 experienced umpires and will receive a rating of apprentice, local 1, 2 or 3 depending on ability in a variety of skills. See the rating sheet below.
Ratings are generally good for 2 years, when an umpire will be rerated in the same manner. Our play days are a great opportunity to collaborate with other umpires to share experiences and discuss the current play on the field.