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Accreditation and Gradings

Levels Courses and Gradings for Technical Officials and Umpire Managers

The Hockey NZ Umpires and Officials advisory group (HNZUOAG) provides a national framework and pathway to allow technical officials to achieve gradings.  Combinations of theory and practical assessments are required at various stages to progress through the assessment system.

The assessment pathway allows for three separate gradings: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 and apply to both technical officiating and umpire manager roles.

Technical Officials

Technical officials fall into three major categories: Tournament Director (TD), Technical Officer (TO) and judge.  Although there is a separate job description for each, there is considerable overlap between the three roles.  In some cases the term ‘Match Director’ (MD) may be used.  This term is normally used in the case of one off test matches, or in the case of the NHL, it is equivalent of a Technical Officer (TO) appointment.

Qualification

Theory component required

Practical component required

Examiner

Level 3

Attendance at suitable Level 3 course, activity or event

Recommendation based on performance achieved at NHL, domestic test series or other event approved by HNZAG

NHL TD or approved person

Level 2

Attendance at suitable Level 2 course, activity or event

Recommendation following suitable performance at NHL, U21, or international match.  Preferably in Asst. TD or TO role

Tournament TD or approved local/regional assessor

Level 1

Level 1 umpire theory course and approved Level 1 technical course or activity

U21, NHL, or international judge performance (minimum of 2 observations)

Tournament TD or approved local/regional assessor

Umpire Managers

Umpire Managers and Assistant Umpire Managers are appointed to tournaments to coach and manage the umpiring team.  Their pathway follows the same pathway as technical officials.  Typically, their performance as an assistant will be assessed, and recommendations for promotion will be considered by the Hockey NZ Umpire and Officials advisory group.

Levels Courses and Practical Gradings for Umpires

The Hockey NZ Umpires and Officials advisory group provides a national framework and pathway to allow umpires to achieve gradings.  Combinations of theory and practical assessments are required at various stages to progress through the assessment system.

The assessment pathway allows for five separate gradings: Junior, Community Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.  

Qualification

Theory component required

Practical component required

Examiner

Level 3

Level 3 attendance at suitable event

Satisfactory performance achieved at NHL.

NHL TD or UM

Level 2

Level 2 theory course

Satisfactory performance at U21, Senior tournament or Masters final.  Also, an approved local premier club final may qualify.

 

Tournament TD or approved local/regional assessor

Level 1

Level 1 theory course

Satisfactory performance at U18 tournaments, premier club match, suitable Masters or secondary school tournament match.

Tournament TD or approved local/regional assessor

Community

 

2 hour theory course, technical briefing or workshop

Satisfactory local/regional practical assessment between two teams playing 11-a-side hockey

Approved local/regional examiner or TD

Junior

2 hour theory course, technical briefing or workshop.

 

Satisfactory local/regional practical assessment between two teams playing 11-a-side hockey

Approved local/regional examiner or TD

Note:

  • A Level 3 practical grading will only be awarded to umpires who are selected for NHL finals, and receive a satisfactory report.
  • A Level 2 practical grading may be awarded on a club game.  However, both the examiner and the game will need to be approved by the HNZUOAG.  Level 2 practical gradings will not be issued at U18 tournaments or below.
  • Level 1 practical gradings will not be issued at U15 national tournaments or below.
  • In the case of the Community or Junior grading, it is expected that a local theory course (using NZ theory exams) has been undertaken. 
  • In the case of Level 2 and Level 3 practical assessments, these should be gender specific.
  • In the case of Community and Junior gradings, local Associations and regions are encouraged to run courses and conduct practical examinations under the guidance of the umpire and Officials advisory group.

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