Club Umpire Development Programme (updated November 2011)

The Club is committed to developing umpiring within the Club by instigating and maintaining a proactive Umpire Development Programme (UDP) in association with Devon Hockey Association (DHA), Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association (DHUA) and Devon Young Umpire Action Group (DYUAG) under the direction of the Club’s Umpire Development Officer (UDO).

The Club understands that progression and enjoyment on the field of play by Club Teams, including playing at the highest levels in their County, Region or Nationally, must also involve a corresponding progression of umpiring with the Club and support of DHUA and their Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) policies and priorities.

The Club recognises that those who umpire for the Club are a valuable Club resource and, as such, should be fully integrated within the Club and supported in their umpiring in the same manner as Players.

The Club UDO has a direct input to the Committee of the Club, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the Club’s Umpires are communicated to the Committee and that the Committee are aware of the issues and financial resources required to improve umpiring within the Club and in support of RDU and beyond.

By improving the confidence and skills of Umpires affiliated to the Club, the Club recognises this will lead to increased enjoyment for Club Umpires and also for Club Players involved in training, friendly and competitive fixtures of the Club.

Ensure that Club Umpires are allowed to develop their umpiring in a non-abusive and non-aggressive environment within the Club in accordance with ‘The England Hockey Code of Ethics and Behaviour’ (‘the Code’) and that Club Players and Club Umpires should work together in mutual respect and understanding.

Fully supporting Club Umpires when they have been the victim of any form of aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour from Club Players, Members or Supporters and instituting club disciplinary procedures against any person associated with the Club who has been found to have overstepped the mark of traditional normal acceptable hockey behaviour or the Code.

Work with other local Clubs in conjunction with DHUA/DYUAG to run Umpire Award Courses, Umpire Coaching and RDU events and DHUA organised Umpire Academies.

Work with DYUAG to ensure all Club Players under the age of 18 undertake a Foundation Umpire Award (FUA) Course and provide the necessary facilities and resources to DYUAG to set up, run and complete the FUA. The Club will also include the proactive development of umpires and umpiring skill through the working relationship with The King’s School OSM.

Work with DHUA to ensure that Club Players and non playing members of the Club are encouraged to undertake a Level One Umpire Award (L1UA) Course and provide the necessary facilities and resources to DHUA to set up, run and complete the L1UA.

Support Club Level One Umpire (L1U) Candidates and FUA Candidates throughout their umpire training period between passing their course and examination and passing their relevant assessment.

Set realistic targets for L1U Development in relation to the number of active fully qualified umpires per league team (that is any team entered in the West Men’s and Women’s Leagues).

The Club understands that progression and enjoyment on the field of play by Club Teams, including playing at the highest levels in their County, Region or Nationally, must also involve a corresponding progression of umpiring with the Club and support of DHUA and their RDU policies and priorities.

Plan for a minimum number of Active and fully Qualified L1U as set out below:

Actively encourage and support all Club Umpires to:

• Keep up-to-date with the Rules of Hockey by attending local and county workshops, group coaching events and umpire academies
• Make themselves available to umpire under appointment for DHUA on a consistent and regular basis
• This UDP shall be listed on the Club’s Website.

Signed:   Michael J O DUTTON  (Club UDO on behalf of and with the authority of Ottery Crickets Hockey Club)

Date 13th November 2011