Click here for the current Umpire Certification List.
Umpire Certification Pathway
There are 4 levels of umpiring certification in BC:
- Canadian (Highest)
- Regional
- Provincial -previously named Provincial A
- Community -previously named Provincial B (Entry level)
Download and read through Field Hockey Canada’s Umpire Handbook (PDF), with changes for this 2015 edition highlighted in red.
There are two steps to attaining each level of Umpire rating:
Step 1 – Attend an umpiring course, pass a written exam
To become a Community level umpire you must complete the online Community Umpiring course, attain at least 75% on your quiz -OR- attend the Provincial Umpiring course, attain at least 60% on your written exam.
To become a Provincial level umpire you must attend the Provincial Umpiring course, attain at least 75% on your written exam.
To become a Regional level umpire you must attend the Regional Umpiring Course, attain at least 85% on your written exam.
To become a Canadian level umpire you must pass oral presentations, and give a presentation at a lower level local umpiring course.
Note: You must have completed and attained the lower umpiring level before taking a higher umpiring level course. (ex: attain provincial umpire level before taking the regional umpiring level).
Step 2 – Obtain field rating(s)
For Community you must be coached at 1 game and pass 1 field rating.
For Provincial you must pass 2 field ratings (in games the assessor deems “of suitable competition to warrant a Provincial rating”). Note – you must have a different assessor for each rating.
For Regional and Canadian you must pass 2 field ratings (in games the assessor deems “of suitable competition to warrant a Regional rating”). Note – you must have a different assessor for each rating.
Note: Those wishing to obtain or renew a Canadian certification need to apply to the PSO at leliasacre@fieldhockeybc.com or to the FHC Officials Committee at officials@fieldhockey.ca
Expiry/Renewal of Certification
Each certification level you attain will be valid for 4 years (expiring on Dec. 31). Renew the certification level before it has expired by attending the Rules Update Clinic and undergoing 1 or 2 field assessments, depending if actively umpiring. This will renew 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.
Umpire Certification from outside of Canada
Umpires with certification from outside of Canada, may be eligible for an equivalency rating if:
- Individual can provide evidence of valid credentials, granted in the last three years, from another country
- Appropriate equivalency with Field Hockey Canada ratings are then determined in consultation with FHBC Director of Umpiring and/or Field Hockey Canada Officials Committee
Individuals with credentials equivalent to a Field Hockey Canada Provincial rating or higher may request on-field assessments. Field Hockey Canada credentials will be awarded upon successful completion of these on-field assessments.
Individuals with credentials equivalent to a Field Hockey Canada Community rating should complete the online course before attempting an on-field assessment.
Maintaining Current Umpiring Level
For Community, it is expected that you will actively umpire a minimum of 8 matches annually. Provincial should umpire 10 matches annually. Regional should umpire 12 games, pass 1 annual match assessment, and pass the beep test (physical fitness test). Canadian should umpire 15 games, pass 2 annual match assessments, and pass the beep test.
Assessor Information
Information on Umpire Assessors.
Field Hockey BC actively organizes certification opportunities for all levels of umpiring on an annual basis. Please do not hesitate to contact the Association should you have any queries regarding umpiring.
