Officials | Field Hockey BC

Fundraiser to help Vancouver umpire Meghan McLennan go to the Junior Pan Am

The local umpiring community is rallying behind Vancouver umpire Meghan McLennan who was recently appointed to represent Canada at the the upcoming Junior Pan American Championships, April 10-18, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Meghan needs to fund her travel down to Barbados and needs the community’s support. If you can share in your networks or consider contributing […]

The FHC Officials Committee is calling for new members

NEWS Officials

The FHC Officials Committee is looking to add new members. The mandate of the Officials Committee is to identify, develop, and prepare officials1 for domestic and international competitions. The Committee is looking to expand its membership in early 2023. If interested in joining the committee, please send the following information to the Committee at Officials@fieldhockey.ca […]

Officials from BC share their experiences at the 2022 Masters World Cup

NEWS Officials

The FIH Masters World Cup returned in 2022 after a four-year hiatus. A strong Canadian contingent travelled to Cape Town, South Africa and this was more than just a team of players. Field Hockey Canada was represented by technical officials Tony Stewart, of Alberta, and Sanjya D’Silva, of Ontario, and B.C.’s Michelle McNaughton, also […]

International Hockey Federation updates rules for Indoor and Outdoor

NEWS Officials

INDOOR RULES The FIH Rules Committee would like to inform of the following updates: FIH Umpiring Briefing interpretation clarifications (see slide number 2) on the following rules: Obstruction rule – trapping at corners situations Taking of Penalty corners rule – when the ball does not leave the circle before the first shot at goal Use […]

Registration is now open for the next Provincial Umpire Course

NEWS Officials

Field Hockey BC is now accepting registrations for a new Provincial Umpire Course that will happen on Monday July 4 & Tuesday Ju5 via ZOOM – spots are limited! This course is being subsidized this season and is therefore FREE for FHBC Members with a currently valid Membership for the 2021-22 season. The cost of the […]

Provincial Umpire Course - registration now open for the course in May!

NEWS Officials

This course is being subsidized this season and is therefore FREE for FHBC Members with a currently valid Membership for the 2021-22 season. The cost of the course for non-members is $85. Provincial Courses consist of two sessions of 3 hours, including theory and exam. Participants are required to attend both sessions to be eligible […]

Field Hockey Umpiring

Umpiring is a great way to take part in hockey, develop a better understanding of the game, and to ensure fair play on the pitch. FHBC provides opportunities for umpires to participate in courses, be assessed on the field, receive coaching, and pursue their umpiring goals!

Becoming an Umpire

There are 4 levels of umpiring certification in BC, each providing a different level of opportunity. For each different level, there is a theory and a practical component required to obtain a rating.

Community (entry level): attend a Community course (minimum passing grade of 75% on exam) + 1 Community field assessment
Provincial (entry level): attend a Provincial course (minimum passing grade of 75% on exam) + 2 Provincial field assessments
Regional: attend a Regional course (minimum passing grade 80% on exam) + 2 Regional field assessments *prerequisite: current Provincial rating
Canadian: pass oral presentations, and give a presentation at a lower level local umpiring course, + 2 Canadian field assessments *current Regional rating for a minimum of 1 year

For courses requiring two field assessments, these must be done by two different Assessors.

Umpire Honoraria Rates

Umpire Assessors

Umpire Assessors are qualified to rate at the levels below their own Umpire rating. They are responsible for the growth of new umpires by providing feedback and mentoring through field assessments. Those interested in becoming Umpire Assessors can find out more.

Expiry/Renewal of Certification

Certifications are valid for 4 years (expiring on Dec. 31). Renew the certification level before it has expired by having a Rules Update and undergoing the required number of Field Assessments (1 for Community, 2 for Provincial, Regional, and Canadian). This will extend your certification for another four years. After certification has expired, umpires who are still active may be able to re-enter the new system at the equivalent level to their last certification, provided they fulfill all the requirements of that level. Otherwise they will be expected to restart the process from the beginning.