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Devon Hockey News & Diary

Diary Items to Note

Latest News

19th Nov 08	Devon Hockey 'Special Availability' Days
	Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring – “Together we can do it” Devon Hockey Association (DHA) and Devon Hockey Umpires Association (DHUA) have agreed to trial two ‘Special Availability’ days in 2008. The aim is to encourage all Devon Umpires, whether Level 1 Qualified or Level 1 Candidates, to make themselves available for appointment and mentoring by DHUA. The dates chosen for the ‘Special Availability’ trial are Saturday 22 November and Saturday 13 December 2008. Click on …More to read about it and make any comments. Are you a female umpire who is frightened of umpiring men’s hockey? Are you a female who has umpired men’s hockey and really enjoyed it? Are you a male who doesn't want to umpire ladies hockey? Do you just want to umpire you club and nothing else? Frightening of stepping out of your comfort zone? As an umpire, do you think getting out from umpiring your own club week in week out is a good idea and will improve your umpiring skills? Does mentoring work? Do you think Special Availability Days are a bad idea? A good idea? No idea? Any ideas? The please go to the blog and get . . . er, well, blogging on this subject. ... More
14th Nov 08	Rules of Hockey 2009 - Statement
	The following statement has been released by FIH: “It is anticipated that the next Rules of Hockey and Rules of Indoor Hockey will take effect from 1 June 2009. Until new sets of rules are published and implemented, the 2007-2008 rules continue to apply. What changes there will be in 2009 is still under discussion within the FIH. The Hockey Rules Board has already undertaken a significant review of the Rules of Indoor Hockey. At its meeting in November 2008, it will finalise any proposals for changes to the rules for outdoor hockey”. Secretary, Hockey Rules Board Paddy P.S. That's from Roger WEBB who came and spoke at the Devon Club/Umpire Forum on Friday 31 October. See ...More for full details of the statement and England Hockey's Response ... More
13th Nov 08	England Hockey Introduces New Indoor Umpiring Awards
	Situation: Participation in indoor hockey in England is growing. The reintroduction of national teams in January 2008, plus the success and prominence of the indoor competitions held at the National Indoor Arena has seen a much welcomed resurgence of the indoor game. Regional and county leagues are played throughout the season in many areas, and entry to the national school and clubs competitions continue to rise. With these competitions changing in the near future to split clubs and schools, and the introduction of the England Indoor Trophy, there is a great need for more indoor umpires to support the game. Current Awards: Indoor umpiring currently only has an award at L3 (National) level. This represented the level of indoor hockey played some time ago, and does not represent the growth seen in today's indoor game. To achieve L3 Indoor status, candidates are nominated by their region, or by the NPUA for assessment. Whilst the L3 award is the only England Hockey formal accreditation currently available, it is also recognised, that many County and Regional HUAs have an indoor umpiring set-up, with grades and panels within their structures. Proposed New Awards: The EHUC propose to introduce new L1 and L2 Indoor Umpiring awards to formally recognise the need for a consistent structure for development and assessment of indoor umpiring in the country. The awards will commence in September 2008, and support resources have been developed to assist regions and counties with their introduction. In order to qualify for an indoor L1 award, the umpire must be registered as an accredited L1or L2 outdoor umpire. This will ensure that the umpire has undergone at least basic umpire training via a Level 1 course and have been assessed and passed whilst umpiring outdoors. Many of the techniques required as an outdoor umpire – game management, flow and advantage, positioning & presentation - are mirrored indoor, with only a few interpretations needed to be learnt to adapt to the game indoors. In order to be assessed for the award, the indoor candidate must then attend an Indoor Umpiring Course for entry level (L1 indoor) and then be assessed whilst umpiring at an event run by the county. A course presentation has been prepared by England Hockey and it is recommended that this is run at an indoor session, prior to candidates having a try at indoor umpiring. There are no minimum matches required in order to achieve the L1 Indoor award, rather indoor assessors judge the umpire to be fit for the purpose of umpiring indoor level matches at county level. For the L2 indoor award, counties may nominate candidates to the Regional L2 indoor award coordinator, who are performing at the peak of county level. The L2 indoor coordinator will then arrange for suitable assessment at a regional event. The cost of registering successful candidates for both L1 & L2 awards will be £10, payable on registration. England Hockey will send accreditation cards with EH registration numbers direct to the umpire following receipt of the fee and registration form. Transition: EHUC recognises that many counties and regions have indoor umpires as members, who have already been assessed as fit for purpose at that level. It is therefore proposed to introduce a Transfer to the L1 & L2 awards for those umpires currently active at that level and verified by their respective HUAs. This transfer period will run until 31st December, 2008, giving HUAs time to register their current indoor umpires to the appropriate level. The cost of the transfer will be £5 per umpire to cover the administration at England hockey. On receipt of the transfer list and appropriate fees, counties and regions will receive confirmation of the transfers and umpires will be sent accreditation cards. Summary: It is hoped, that by introducing new awards, that the profile of the indoor umpiring will increase allowing umpiring to support the growth in the game from grass roots all the way to national level. Liz Pelling On behalf of the EHUC Click on ...More for the full details. Picture: Nick White, ex Devon, West and EHL Indoor Umpire. Nick is also on the FIH Promising Umpires’ List (International Umpires for upgrading to Grade 1). ... More
12th Nov 08	CRB Checks
	CRB checks are NOT PORTABLE ACROSS SPORTS When Vetting and Barring is introduced in 2009 – I think it is October a coach only has to apply once to the ISA – The Independent Safeguarding Authority. However, it is still unknown if CRB checks will be portable across sports but nothing is confirmed and Barbara will keep you informed as the situation progresses. Anne Baker Development Coaching Manager 12 Nov 2008 From Jenny Mitchell - Regional Administrator England Hockey, West Office 13 Nov 2008 Having spoken to the Devon Cricket Development Officer, Matt Theedom, he has also confirmed that CRB checks for cricket cannot be transported from other sports.
7th Nov 08	“Do home teams have to confirm fixture details to appointed officials?”
	Yes, even though the fixtures details are shown on the DHW. Not every appointed official (e.g. Umpire, Coach, Mentor or Level 1 Assessor) has an email address and even if they do it may not be working. Home teams are reminded that (as a common courtesy and also in accordance with league and competition regulations) they should contact DHUA appointed officials at least 7 days in advance of a fixture (or as soon as notified of an appointed official if less than 7 days notice). The away team does not have to confirm fixture information. The home team should confirm the DATE, TIME and VENUE to the appointed officials by telephone. Also let them know the COLOURS the teams will be playing in. If there are any other unusual information (e.g. local road works, strange access to the pitch, changing rooms location, etc.) then please let the appointed official know. If the appointed official is unavailable then please contact the DHUA Appointments Secretary. This applies to ALL appointed fixtures, whether on a Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday or any other day of the week. Paul Earnshaw DHUA Appointment Secretary
6th Nov 08	Red Card/MMO Reporting
	A Reminder from Devon County Discipline Administrator to Club UDOs · Could you please encourage all club umpires to carry with them a current red card/MMO report form to all matches? · I am aware that umpires can download a copy from the Devon Hockey website when required, but for it would greatly help if any club umpires without easy internet access have a paper copy with them it makes sure the process runs speedily. · Please where necessary download a copy of the current RCRF/MMO report form from the downloads section of the Devon Hockey website and circulate a copy to all club umpires as required. I sincerely hope that umpires will not have cause or need of the form during the season. · There have been a few changes to the discipline regulations and a code of ethics and behaviour has been introduced this season and copies of both items can be found on the Devon Hockey website. · Finally a thank you on behalf of Devon Hockey to all club umpires who by there hard work and giving of their time to umpire keep hockey being played and enjoyed. Regards Andrew Ashenhurst Devon Hockey CDA
30th Oct 08	England Hockey to move
	Since 2007, England Hockey has been renting office space from English Partnerships at the former National Hockey Stadium* for some of its headquarters team under a four-year lease which provided a nine month notice period for either side. In mid-2008, England Hockey’s executive team reviewed future office location options and made a recommendation to their Board which proposed moving these offices to Bisham Abbey in order to take advantage of Sport England’s proposed site redevelopment which they announced on 23rd August. Coincidentally English Partnerships had been reviewing its options for the Milton Keynes site and today (29 October) announced a major redevelopment of it. As a result, they have now served notice on England Hockey’s occupation of the offices. For the last few weeks, England Hockey has been working with Sport England’s architects to ensure that its Milton Keynes based staff and those already situated at Bisham Abbey – the South Regional Development staff and Performance team – can all be located in one modern and well-equipped facility. It is planned that the move from Milton Keynes to Bisham Abbey will take place sometime in the spring of 2009. The precise date will be determined by the progress made on the redevelopment of the Bisham Abbey site. Discussions with staff about relocation options are currently taking place. Philip Kimberley, Executive Chairman England Hockey said “Although we will be sad to leave Milton Keynes, we think the benefits of having the national team, development, performance, and administration staff all on one site - particularly in the run up to the 2012 Olympics - will be significant. We hope as many staff as feasible will stay with us, and for those that don’t choose to, we will work with them to find alternative work in their local area. “We are also pleased to report that discussions with the 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority and the London Development Agency about the shape and size of proposed legacy facilities are well advanced, but that no announcements about what those will comprise will take place until later in 2009.”
16th Oct 08	Mentoring Opportunity
	There is a possibility of Mentoring available on Sunday 26 October at Exeter University. This would suit those qualified umpires who are unable to umpire on a Saturday, perhaps due to playing commitments, or those Pool umpires who would like to be mentored but have not had the opportunity to do so recently. The day begins at 11:00 with an Isca Vintage v England LX Club 'A' game, followed at 12:30 by England LX Club v West Country Select, followed by a third game at 14:00 England LX Club 'A' v Tournament Select. Devon HUA are hoping to use these 3 games as a mentoring/coaching opportunity so if you want to take part then please email Paul Earnshaw (pdearnshaw@googlemail.com) with your availability (also update your availability in your Personal Area of the Devon Hockey Website using the ‘Change Availability’ button). ISCA HC extends an invitation to all Officials appointed to Lunch at 16:00 in the Isca Clubhouse after the games. Paddy, President DHUA
12th Oct 08	Amendment to the EHL Regulations 2008-09
	To: EHL Club Liaison Officers, Second Contacts; EH Match Officials; NPUA (for onward distribution) >>> THIS ONLY APPLIES TO ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE ONLY <<< Following guidance from the England Hockey Constitution & Regulations committee, the EHL committee agreed an amendment to the EHL regulations for season 2008-09. This has been approved by the Competitions Committee in line with EHL Regulation 1.5. and comes into force with effect from Saturday 11 October 2008. The amendment is to regulation 10.4. This currently reads – Umpires shall have the authority to temporarily suspend (yellow card) any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. The amended regulation reads: 10.4 Umpires shall have the authority to temporarily suspend (yellow card) any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. This will require the relevant team to withdraw a player from the pitch for the duration of the suspension. This means the regulation reverts to the wording in line with season 2007-08. In making this amendment the following should be noted: Within the current FIH Rules of Hockey Rule 14, the following rule is in place Rule 14. 1.c. For any offence the offending player may be …. temporarily suspended for a minimum of 5 minutes playing time (indicated by a yellow card). For the duration of each temporary suspension of a player on or off the field the offending team plays with one less player. Within the new England Hockey Red Card & Matchday Misconduct Regulations the following regulation is in place. ”4.3 A Red Card Offence is a breach of the rules of hockey or other misconduct for which any person is permanently suspended by an umpire from further participation in the match (whether or not, for whatever reason acceptable to the relevant Disciplinary Body, a Red Card is actually shown). In addition to the sanctions hereinafter provided for in these Regulations, where a Red Card is issued to a team official or a player who at the time the Red Card is issued is not playing in the match, the offending team is required to withdraw a player from the field of play and the offending team shall thereafter play for the remainder of the match with one fewer player.” The above confirm that teams must withdraw a player from the pitch temporarily when a bench player or official is yellow carded by an umpire and permanently when a bench player or official is red carded by an umpire. This ensures that there are consistent penalties for bench players and team officials in respect of in-discipline where punished by umpires. Please note that Regulation 6.3 has not been amended Match Officials may suspend players/officials but this will not require the relevant team to withdraw a player from the pitch for the duration of the suspension. 6.3 Match Officials have the authority to temporarily suspend any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. If you any queries please contact Stephen Barlow at England Hockey, 01908 544664, stephen.barlow@englandhockey.org. Nick Martin Assistant Competitions & Events Manager DDI: 01908 544605 Fax: 01908 241106 E-Mail: nick.martin@englandhockey.org Web: www.englandhockey.co.uk Address: England Hockey, The National Hockey Stadium, Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 1HA
2nd Oct 08	Temporary and Permanent Suspensions of Players (and Substitutes)
	Applies to both Indoor Hockey and Outdoor Hockey -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some umpires have become confused when reading rule 14 regarding Personal Penalties. Anyone reading rule 14 on its own (in either the outdoor or the indoor rules) should remember that the definition of a player is “One of the participants in a team”, and that the definition includes players on the pitch, substitutes and team officials (managers, coaches, physiotherapists and doctors who are part of a team’s squad) whether or not a formal team sheet has been submitted. Rule 14.1 makes it clear that any player can be cautioned, warned, temporarily suspended or permanently suspended. As the term “player” refers to players on the pitch and to substitutes, all these actions can be taken with a substitute in exactly the same way as for a player on the pitch. 14.1 (c) and 14.1 (d) also make it clear that if any player is suspended, whether temporarily (yellow card) or permanently (red card), the affected team plays with one less player for the duration of the suspension. This applies equally whether the player being suspended happened to be on the pitch or happened to be a substitute at the time of the suspension.
23rd Sep 08	Umpire Promotions
	Congratulations to Rob Logan and Mike Harvey for being promoted to Neutral Pool Grade A from Grade B.
11th Sep 08	Sandy Lane Car Park - Dawlish - New Car Parking Charge
	The senior citizens yellow bus pass concessions have affected Dawlish car parks. In an effort to fund such passes Teignbridge District Council now charges a parking fee for the car park next to Dawlish Astro Pitch. It is a daily charge of 60p - you cannot pay by the hour. So please be aware of this when using the car park - some drivers have been fined already! If umpiring under appointment from DCHUA you can reclaim Car Parking Charges by entering this under Feedback/Expense Notification. Many thanks to Denise McMahon for this information. ... More
30th Aug 08	Historical Information relating to Devon Umpiring Association
	DCHUA would like to prepare a history of the umpiring association. If anyone has any historical records, minutes or any information that may be helpful then please get in touch with Sharan Eve, DCHUA Secretary at s.eve@tiscali.co.uk
12th Aug 08	The England Hockey Code of Ethics and Behaviour
	Approved as Regulations by the Board of England Hockey on 17th March 2008, and effective from 1st September 2008 The following refers ONLY to Umpires and Officials. The full code can be viewed by clicking the link ...More below. Terms of reference The content of this Code of Behaviour applies to all Umpires and Officials involved in hockey in England. In order to protect the reputation of hockey in England, the code also applies to all those associated with England Hockey who are involved in hockey whilst outside England. Expected Minimum Standards of Behaviour and Conduct All such individuals involved in hockey will, at all times: • Respect the spirit of fair play in hockey. This is more than playing within the rules. It also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit. o Encourage both teams to play within the Rules and the spirit of the game. o Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the Rules of the game. o Never request inappropriate hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered that could be considered to be excessive. o In completing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify or embellish any decisions. • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others. o Respect umpires, officials, coaches, players and spectators. o Show patience and understanding towards those who may be learning the game. o Never publicly express any criticism of umpires or officials such as match officials and technical officers. • Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others. o Have regard to protecting the players through the application of the Rules of the game. o Never participate when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. o Competency: Have a current England Hockey accreditation or registration appropriate to the nature of the activity. o Under 18 year olds: Should only work with or under the guidance of a suitably qualified and insured adult. • Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute. o Ensure that all participants are aware of their responsibilities under the Code of Ethics and Behaviour. • Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour. • Never use inappropriate language or gestures. o Never use foul, sexist, abusive, racist or any prejudicial language or tolerate it from players, team officials, spectators or parents. • Abide by the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures. • Abide by the England Hockey Equity Policy. • Abide by the England Hockey Anti-doping Rules. • Take personal responsibility to ensure that they are suitably insured for their activities. ... More
5th Aug 08	New Umpire Function: Availability at a Glance
	A new function has been implemented in the Members’ Area of the Devon Hockey Web System. It is not available in the Level One Area. This function shows, 'at a glance', when the Umpire has said they are, and are not available. The graphic attached to this News Item below shows what it looks like. It is designed to visually inform the Member of their current availability. Hope you find it helpful. Paddy Porter President DCHUA
9th Jul 08	Babcock Marine announces Devon Young Umpire Sponsorship
	Babcock Marine Sports and Social Club Devonport have agreed to sponsor Devon County Hockey Umpires Association to the sum of £250 for training of Young Umpires. This follows from a meeting between Nigel Rowe MBE of Babcock Marine Sports and Social Club and Paddy Porter, President DCHUA, at the Plymouth Primary Mixed Hockey Festival in early June 2008. At that event Nigel Rowe MBE, Babcock Marine Corporate and Community Relations Development Manager, said “This year I was especially impressed by the high level of umpiring displayed by the young umpires alongside the exceptional skills of the players.” Paddy said, ”One area that DCHUA's Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) campaign has so far failed to address, until now, was Young Umpires. Obviously if any sport is to survive and grow it is the investment in youth that is the key, and that goes for officiating as well as playing. That’s why DCHUA are so lucky to have Julia Gill (who is off to the Olympics in Beijing very soon) as our newly appointed Young Umpire Coordinator taking on this vital RDU task with such vigour and enthusiasm. We are also very pleased that Babcock Marine has offered us their support and we hope to build upon this in the future to identify, nurture and support the Young Umpire talent in Devon. DCHUA has already mentored several Young Umpires at the Devon Youth Games, held in Plymouth on 28 June 2008. Who knows, perhaps in years to come we will have a Devon Young Umpire in a future Olympics games.” ... More
21st Jun 08	Another RDU Success Story
	As we enter year 4 of RDU, DCHUA are pleased to announce another success. We applied for a grant under the Awards for All scheme. Awards for All England is supported by the Arts Council England, the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England. They award grants of between £300 and £10,000 for people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, and projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community. These are the projects we wanted the award to help with: 1. Running Young Umpire/Preliminary Umpire/Level One Umpire Award courses. Work with clubs and schools to develop umpires of all ages to undertake the awards & link them in festivals to develop confidence in line with Single System. 2. Run Level One/Two Umpire Coaching Courses - to enable more voluntary tutors to run courses and assess new umpires. 3. Mentor/Coach Umpires - this is vital if new umpires are to become confident to continue & develop. The Association needs more voluntary mentors who can provide the guidance and support to new umpires of all ages in all communities. 4. Set up a Young Umpire Forum to oversee and support the development of young umpires linking schools to clubs. 5. Work towards Sport England target to encourage women by increasing activity. An Action Plan is being put in place to implement the award and this will be announced shortly. Then a meeting will be held with all clubs and interested parties to discuss the implementation. So how much did we get? Keep watching . . . . . . . . Paddy ... More
21st Jun 08	The Game Management Aid (GMA)
	This excellent GMA aid, devised as part of the ‘Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring’ (RDU) Campaign, is a pocket sized aide memoir for umpires to use when discussing the Game Management with the Team Captains at least 15 minutes before the game. It covers (on the back): • Player Behaviour Policy (Swearing/Dissent/Persistent Questioning/Surrounding Umpires/Appealing) • Frustration Swearing (Initial gentle approach) • Advantage/Flow (Play to Whistle) • Breaking Down Play/Free Hist/5 Metres • Dangerous Play/Raised Ball/Feet • Substitutions/Sin Bin • Captains any questions? • Captains to brief their teams. To obtain one please send a stamped s.a.e. to: Paddy Porter RDU GMA 4 Sylvan Court Stoke PLYMOUTH PL1 5PP Many thanks to Peter Filewod who produced this card for DCHUA. Paddy P.S. Sorry about the rubbish photo, it looks much better in real life!!! Honest!
8th Jun 08	Plymouth Primary Mixed Hockey Festival 2008
	Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June – University College Plymouth St Mark & St John (UCP Marjon). Organised by the Plymouth Hockey Development Group (PHDG). Sponsored by Babcock Marine, UCP Marjon Sport & Leisure, Tony Pryce Sports, TK Hockey, Kelly College, RedRok, Plymouth City Council and Devon County Hockey Umpires' Association. The seventh Primary Schools Mixed Hockey Festival was hailed as the best yet by PHDG chairman Jamie Oxley. A record breaking 56 teams from Plymouth Primary Schools - as well as guest teams from East Cornwall and West Devon - ensured over 500 players took part in the action-packed two day event held at UCP Marjon. A team of 14 volunteers and 32 young leaders and umpires from city schools ensured the festival ran smoothly while University of Exeter's England Under 21 international Matt Woods and senior Wales international Ben Edge ran mini-coaching sessions. Nigel Rowe (MBE) of Babcock Marine praised PHDG for organising such a fantastic event. Rowe said “Babcock are delighted to be the main sponsor of this event which gets better year on year. This year I was especially impressed by the high level of umpiring displayed by the young umpires alongside the exceptional skills of the players.” Oxley said: ”Woods and Edge were fantastic role models for the game, coaching over 500 players over the two days. The young players really enjoyed the 20-minute sessions run during the morning group games. The level of play throughout the festival was the highest yet since the festival was first run in 2002. Stiff competition during the morning group stages on both days led to the knock out phase which produced some sparkling skills for spectators.” ”This year the event was fortunate to have the support of Devon Umpires President Paddy Porter and Young Umpire Coordinator Julia Gill who were both present to coach the group of promising umpires. For the second year the young umpires officiated all the games including the final which proved a major success.” PHDG would like to thank the sponsors and the volunteers from all the city hockey clubs, UCP Marjon and all the young umpires from local schools who made the event such a huge success. The Young Umpires were from Plymstock, Ivybridge, Sir John Hunt, Eggbuckland, DHS for Boys, Saltash, St Bonifaces, Stoke Damerel, Plymouth High for Girls & Heles. DCHUA President Paddy Porter said, ”One area that DCHUA's Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) campaign has so far failed to address, until now, was Young Umpires. Obviously if any sport is to survive and grow it is the investment in youth that is the key, and that goes for officiating as well as playing. That’s why I was so pleased to bring Julia Gill, our newly appointed Young Umpire Coordinator along to the event to show her what potential we have here in the Plymouth Area. I have to say that Julia and I were very impressed with the young umpires on show. We had an impossible job of selecting a winner for the DCHUA Young Umpire Trophy, which we sponsored last year for the first time. Julia is off to Beijing to act as a Technical Delegate in hockey at the Olympic Games this summer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of those young umpires we saw was off to the Olympics blowing a whistle in the future?” ”The standard of the young umpires was astounding and there was some real young umpire talent on display. To this end, DCHUA will be leading the Young Umpires at the Devon Youth Games at Brickfields Recreation Ground in Plymouth on Saturday 28 June. We will take some young umpires along to umpire the games and provide them with mentoring and coaching support, so we can progress their umpiring skills and confidence.” The DCHUA Young Umpire Award was awarded to Jevon Rimmer by DCHUA President Paddy Porter.
23rd May 08	DCHUA President’s Report for 2007/8
	Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) has been going for 3 years and so far it has been a success. In a recent DCHUA Blog Poll, 58% said that RDU had been ‘very successful’, 32% ‘reasonably successful’ and 10% said it had made ‘no difference’. RDU still has a long way to go if DCHUA is to appoint to every league game in Devon, as it still our aim over the next few years. Working together with Devon Hockey Association (DHA), with Jamie Oxley, Michelle Judge and a new team at the helm, Devon Hockey is now striding forward on all fronts while other county umpiring associations seem to be stagnating. Avon & Somerset have been struggling with umpire numbers, as have other Counties and the West. DCHUA stands ready to help and assist, although not all our initiatives have been as welcome as we would have hoped. Several Devon umpires have progressed to the West over the last 12 months with more to follow. The West has followed our lead and adopted our ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy to Umpire abuse, although it has now been restyled as a ‘Player Behaviour’ Policy. Devon umpiring is on the up. DCHUA has also addressed the issue of ‘non-active’ Level 1 Umpires by removing them from the website and their association with clubs. We also looked at those umpires who wish to remain ‘Active’ but who do not wish to be full members of DCHUA. A new membership category (called ‘Registration’) was introduced. No one can force a Level 1 Umpire to be a member of DCHUA but we feel that the cost involved in maintaining their registration, on behalf of England Hockey, should fall on the umpire, not DCHUA. Those umpires that neither wish to be a member of DCHUA or pay to have their registration maintained by DCHUA are at liberty to look elsewhere for the support required to maintain their Level 1 Registration. DCHUA appreciates those clubs who have proactively supported RDU thus far. From 2008/9 this support is recognised, so where clubs that have 2 or more affiliated qualified active Level 1 Umpires per league team they will pay £8.00 per appointed umpire (2007/8; £7.50) while those with less than 2 will pay the higher fee of £11.00, which was unanimously agreed at our AGM on 16 May 2008. Those clubs who have failed to grasp the importance of supporting the third team in hockey will now find that there is a price to pay for their inactiveness. Last summer DCHUA, for the first time, took on responsibility for appointing to the Plymouth Mixed Summer League. Many ‘Club’ and Level 1 Candidates (L1C) umpires received mentoring support, often for the first time, which helped improve their confidence and skills; 5 L1C passed their assessment. This continues in 2008/9 and we hope to extend this to the Exeter Summer Leagues (Ladies and Mixed), with the same success. The appointment fee per umpire for these Development Umpire Leagues will remain at £5.00, the same fee as charged as last year. Player, Umpire, Club, DHA and DCHUA – “Together we can do it.” Paddy Porter President DCHUA
17th May 08	New DCHUA Vice President elected
	Keith Dingle was elected unanimously as a Vice President of DCHUA for his outstanding service to Devon Hockey Umpiring. Keith (right) was presented with his award by DCHUA President Paddy Porter (left) at the DCHUA AGM on Friday 16 May 2008. Keith has been Appointment Secretary for Devon for so long it is alleged he appointed Kevin Hughes and God to the first game to which DCHUA appointed umpires in Devon! Not only did he handle appointments marvellously for DCHUA in the days when pen and paper were considered to be ‘high tech’ he also adapted to the interactive website that DCHUA invested in at the start of the 2006 season, which has been one of the many things that has been instrumental in revolutionising Devon Umpiring. After many years of attempting to escape the Appointment Secretary role, DCHUA has graciously put him out to grass by making him a Vice President. However, Keith will still continue to be an active member of the DCHUA Management Committee and an Umpire Mentor and Selector.
17th May 08	Neutral Pool Umpire of the Year 2007/2008 Season
	Presented to ‘An umpire, who is not an Officer of DCHUA who has made the greatest contribution to umpiring in Devon in the past season’. Congratulations to Graham Smith for winning this award. Graham (right) was presented with the award by the newly elected Vice-President Keith Dingle (left) at the DCHUA AGM on Friday 16 May 2008. The selection committee felt that Graham’s overall contribution to Devon umpiring, encompassing his unstinting support in terms of his umpiring and mentoring of new and existing umpires were worthy of this award.
17th May 08	New Neutral Pool Umpire of the Year 2007/2008 Season
	Presented to ‘An umpire, new to the DCHUA Neutral Pool in the previous season, who has shown the most improvement in their umpiring and commitment to Devon umpiring during that season’. Congratulations to Stuart Hopley for winning this award. Stuart (right) was presented with the award by the 2006/2007 winner Paul Earnshaw (left) at the DCHUA AGM on Friday 16 May 2008. The selection committee felt that Stuart’s advancement in terms of his umpiring and his potential for the future made him a deserved winner of this award.
9th May 08	Advance Payment of DCHUA Subscriptions
	DCHUA continues to add improvements to the Devon Hockey Website as a result of feedback and in order to provide a better service to umpires. From the end of the 2008/9 season (effective 1 February 2009), members claiming expenses for games umpired will be able to pre-pay their subscription for the next season (2009/2010) in advance from their claimed expenses. If a person claims appointment expenses after the end of February, and within 160 days of the start of the next financial year (which is 1st May), the system will prompt the member to pay their subscriptions for the following year by adding a line to their claim, defaulting to the amount of subscriptions due for the following year. The person can change the amount down to zero if they wish. For example (based on current rates as of 30 Apr 2008), U M Pire has umpired 7 games for DCHUA during the 2008/9 season. They have travelled a total of 250 miles. Therefore the total claim for the 2008/9 season is £45 (250 x 18p per mile). When they claim this amount at the end of the 2008/9 season they pay £10 for their 2008/9 subs (assuming they have not already paid it) and decide to prepay the 2009/2010 subs at the same time (another £10). Therefore the DCHUA Treasurer will pay their claim of £25 (£45 - £10 - £10), assuming the claimant is not donating any part of their claim to ‘DCHUA’, ‘DCHUA Coaching Fund’, ‘MacIlldowie Fund’ or ‘Back to Clubs’. This will help reduce the administrative workload on the DCHUA Treasurer and Webmaster and prevent any umpires being removed from the system that have forgotten to pay their membership or registration fees. I hope that this enhancement to the Devon Hockey Website will be of benefit to all those who umpire for DCHUA. Comments on the blog welcome by clicking on …More Paddy President DCHUA ... More
1st May 08	Umpire Mentoring Reports NOW ONLINE
	DCHUA continues to look at new ways in which it can assist umpires. Traditional reporting, after a mentoring or coaching session, involved the mentor/coach preparing a report and then sending this to the umpire by post or email. We’ll no longer. It can now all be done online via the new reporting module added to the Devon Hockey Website (this ONLY applies to official DCHUA Appointments - non appointed umpires, where mentoring/assessment occurs, will not be able to use this system). Umpires will be able to access all their umpire reports in one place and not have to worry about keeping bits of paper, etc. Mentors/Coaches can also prepare the report online and with the press of a button it wings its way, as if by magic, to the umpire’s web area. Comment on this on the DCHUA Blog by clicking ...More Paddy President DCHUA ... More
26th Mar 08	Goalkeeping Action
	Michael Stonelake (University of Plymouth Hockey Club) recently asked this question: “In a recent game our goal keeper received the ball in space and with no-one around him he flicked the ball up with his stick and kicked the ball, in the air to about the half way line where it landed safely, however, a short corner was blown for as the umpire said that the keeper was not allowed to do this. I have looked in the rules and it seems to me that Rule 10.2 is the rule that would be used to justify this, however this rule seems to say one thing in 10.2a and another thing in 10.2b. Would it be possible to get a verdict from you as to the legality of our keeper doing this as he has done it all the time he has played and never been called up on it before. Thank you for your time.” Well, here are the rules relating to goalkeepers (Rule 10 Conduct of play: goalkeepers): 10.1 A goalkeeper who: a. wears protective equipment comprised of at least headgear, leg guards and kickers must not take part in the match outside the 23 metres area they are defending, except when taking a penalty stroke b. wears only protective headgear must not take part in the match outside the 23 metres area they are defending when wearing the headgear but may remove the headgear and take part in the match anywhere on the field. > The protective headgear must be worn when defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke. 10.2 When the ball is inside the circle they are defending and they have their stick in their hand, goalkeepers are permitted to: a. use their stick, protective equipment or any part of their body to push the ball away, deflect the ball (in any direction including over the back-line) or stop the ball > This permits a goalkeeper to use their hands, arms or any other part of their body to move the ball away but only as part of a goal saving action and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance. b. use their stick, feet, kickers, legs or leg guards to propel the ball forcefully. 10.3 Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball. 10.4 When the ball is outside the circle they are defending, goalkeepers are only permitted to play the ball with their stick. So, if in any doubt consult as widely as possible. However, if you want the best possible advice why not ask the person who should know? So I emailed Roger Webb, Secretary to the Hockey Rules Board and Technical Manager, International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Switzerland. I met Roger many years ago when I was in the Royal Navy and we even travelled to Gibraltar about 20 years ago to take a tri-service umpire course. This is what Roger says: “There is no explicit rule which forbids the action described. Instead, it is governed by the general requirement about safety (i.e. rule 9.8). 9.8 Players must not play the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play. > A ball is considered dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action by players. > The penalty is awarded where the action causing the danger took place So long as the ball is raised safely (i.e. in space) and is safe through the air and on landing, no offence has been committed.” So there we are. Paddy
13th Nov 07	RULES RELATED TIPS - NEW FEATURE
	Temporary and Permanent Suspensions of Players (and Substitutes) for both Indoor Hockey and Outdoor Hockey Some umpires have become confused when reading rule 14 regarding Personal Penalties. Anyone reading rule 14 on its own (in either the outdoor or the indoor rules) should remember that the definition of a player is “One of the participants in a team”, and that the definition of a Team covers the players on the pitch and substitutes. Rule 14.1 makes it clear that any player can be cautioned, warned, temporarily suspended or permanently suspended. As the term “player” refers to players on the pitch and to substitutes, all these actions can be taken with a substitute in exactly the same way as for a player on the pitch. 14.1 (c) and 14.1 (d) also make it clear that if any player is suspended, whether temporarily (yellow card) or permanently (red card), the affected team plays with one less player for the duration of the suspension. This applies equally whether the player being suspended happened to be on the pitch or happened to be a substitute at the time of the suspension. ... More
23rd Oct 07	Blog Poll
	How successful do you think Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring has been since it started in 2005? Click on ....More to go to the Blog Poll, which ends on 30 November 2007. ... More
7th Jun 07	Blog it!
	A blog (short for web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and displayed in reverse chronological order. Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), or audio (podcasting), and are part of a wider network of social media. The term ”blog” is a portmanteau of the words web and log (Web log). ”Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. In May 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 71 million blogs. Now DCHUA launches its own Blog (does that make it 71,000,001 blogs?)! So why not click on the link below and make it whatever you want. Make it interactive, make it informative, and make it your forum for umpiring. Paddy P.S. I wonder who will be the FIRST to post a comment. I can't guarantee a prize, just plain old notoriety! ... More
24th May 07	U13s Not Allowed to Play from 2007/2008
	The following is to apply from the 2007-8 hockey season onwards: U13s will not be allowed to play in open adult competitions. U13s defined as being under 13 years of age on 1 January 2008. For full details click on the link, or see the Web Handbook under 'England Hockey' . . . . ... More
11th Apr 07	A GUIDE TO UMPIRING HOCKEY
	The 2007–08 Edition is now available from England Hockey. It is written by Jane NOCKOLDS the National Development Manager - Technical, Officiating & Volunteers. Jane spoke recently at the DCHUA Group Coaching event at Exeter University on Friday 6th April 2007. The new edition includes: Psychological Skills, Fitness, Mobility & Positioning, Umpire Coaching & Managing, Reflection & Evaluation Click on the link below to get the order form. This is highly recommended for ALL umpires or WHATEVER ability. Paddy P.S. Note that this book is normally included in the Level One Tutor Packs, from 1 Jan 2007. ... More
11th Apr 07	Claiming Expenses for Appointed Games
	From Steve PEARCE, DCHUA Treasurer. Hi everyone, As I am now trying to get our accounts in order, please could you note the following: 1. Please complete all your match reports and expense notifications- this is important for our records even if you do not intend to reclaim the expense arising. The cost of supplying pool umpires needs to be as realistic as possible so we can set the appropriate rates for following seasons. When you input this information you are merely ‘notifying’ the system that you umpired a game and the costs arising thereof. 2. In order for me to process the expense claim you need to physically ‘claim’ the amount you have earlier notified. You do this by hitting the claim button on your individual page in the member’s area. At this point you are given the option of making donations back to DCHUA, coaching or the clubs! - The system will also automatically pay your subs if you haven’t already done so. Please note you will be unable to make a claim if you have outstanding match reports! Once you are happy with the amounts to be claimed and donated you confirm your instructions and your claim will be displayed on the web page. 3. If you have previously partially claimed your expenses please complete for outstanding games so that I can pick these up all in one claim settlement. The system will update your previous claim(s) and consolidate them into one amount owing. 4. I will then be in a position to settle the claim, if you have any corrections to previously input expenses, mileage etc let me know so I can correct before you claim. 5. I can make a claim on your behalf if necessary but would prefer it if you got used to inputting yourself. If you need any help please feel free to contact me. 6. I appreciate that nobody has received any expenses for the whole season and will endeavour to catch up as quickly as possible, if anybody has an urgent need to be refunded please contact me to discuss. 7. Even if you are not in a desperate rush to be refunded, please make your ‘claim’ ASAP so that we can have a handle on what are expenses liability is prior to the AGM. Trust that you are not all confused now, in future seasons the plan will be to make 2 claims a year- at Xmas and April -so that we don’t have multiple claims to deal with but also ensuring that umpires are not out of pocket for too long.
1st Mar 07	Smoking!
	It may seem a little obvious but some facilities have a no smoking policy, especially Astroturf hockey pitches. So, if you still smoke, and will continue to do so even after 1st July, please resist the urge to light up before, or after, you umpire. Only smoke in designated areas and this will make my life a lot easier (yes, people do complain to me about things like this)! Paddy President Some Facts about Smoking > About 12 million adults in Great Britain smoke cigarettes - 26% of men and 23% of women. > Contrary to popular belief, adult smoking rates vary only slightly in different parts of the country: 24% in the East of England, 28% in the North West, 25% in Scotland and 23% in Wales. > Like most of life's other nasties, smoking is most prevalent among those aged 20-24: 36% of men and 29% women in this age group smoke. > The lowest smoking rate is among people aged 60 and over: 14% smoke in this age group. Why? Around one quarter of smokers die before reaching retirement age. > Every day 450 British children start smoking not yours we hope! > People do give up 20% of women and 28% of men are now ex-smokers. > Historically, we are far less smoky today than we were a quarter of a century ago: 26% of men and 23% of women smoke today, compared to 51% of men and 41% of women in 1974. > The Government is definitely not profiting from your habit revenue from tobacco duty in the financial year 2004-05 was a measly 8,103 million, compared to a spend of around 25m on anti-smoking education campaigns, 50m on measures to help people stop smoking and an ever-growing public health bill of nearly incalculable proportions. > Tobacco is the only legally available consumer product which kills people when it is used entirely as intended. > About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit.
23rd Feb 07	Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO)
	When issuing a Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO) it is VITAL that the Player, Team Captain, or Club Official is informed that an MMO has been issued. This should be done immediately the MMO has been issued, not at a later date. Just to clarify this is a comment from Andrew Ashenhurst, Devon's County Disciplinary Administrator, ”It is important that the player is made aware on the day that an MMO is being awarded it cannot be done retrospectively just as a red card cannot be awarded on the following day after all it is a Matchday Misconduct Offence.” Failure to do this may result in the MMO not being upheld, or the player concerned not being aware that an MMO has been issued and hence them playing inadvertently. Finally upon completion of the Report Form, it is to be posted / faxed / emailed to the appropriate County / Regional Disciplinary Administrator / National Disciplinary Officer (see contact info on reverse side) within 72 hours of the offence. In the case of a red card, the Report Form is to be completed by the umpire issuing the Red Card or reporting the MMO. The other umpire may comment if they wish - in section 15. As a matter of courtesy, please send me a copy also of any Red Card/MMO Report. Paddy President ... More
20th Feb 07	Umpire Briefing
	A detalied breakdown of how to umpire games under the 2007/8 rules. Download and read. A must for all umpires. Paddy President ... More
6th Feb 07	Red Card/MMO Reports
	This form is to be completed following the issuing of a Red Card or to report a Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO). It is applicable to men’s, women’s, mixed, senior and junior hockey. Upon completion of the Report Form, it is to be posted / faxed / emailed to the appropriate County / Regional Disciplinary Administrator / National Disciplinary Officer within 72 HOURS of the offence. In the case of a red card, the Report Form is to be completed by the umpire issuing the Red Card or reporting the MMO. The other umpire may comment if they wish - in section 15. If involving a Devon Team it needs to be sent to the Devon County Disciplinary Officer, Andrew Ashenhurst, a.ashenhurst@eclipse.co.uk. Also, if a Devon Umpire appointed umpire, or a non appointed Level One Umpire issues a Red Card or MMO to ANY team, from inside Devon or beyond please send a copy to me for DCHUA records as a matter of courtesy. The form can be downloaded from the DCHUA Website Web Handbook. Paddy President ... More
1st Feb 07	Statement from the England Hockey Board on the new goalkeeping rules
	Please see the link for this. It is also listed at http://ccgi.devonumpires.co.uk/Handbook/Handbook80.doc Paddy President ... More
31st Jan 07	Rules 2007/2008 - Goalkeeper Clarification
	I understand that since 1st January there have been a number of enquiries relating to goalkeepers and in particular with regard to Rule 2 – Composition of Teams. In an effort to reach as many umpires as possible, can I ask that you use your communication systems / networks to confirm to all that the FIH confirm that at penalty corners an injured or suspended goalkeeper can only be replaced by a similarly equipped goalkeeper? So if the ‘GK’ on at the time was fully equipped, the replacement must be the same. If they were equipped with only protective headgear, then the replacement can wear only the same. In essence, the issue that we need to get straight is that a goalkeeper wearing only protective headgear may not be replaced by a fully equipped goalkeeper.” Thank you all for your cooperation. JANE NOCKOLDS National Development Manager - Technical, Officiating & Volunteers ENGLAND HOCKEY
15th Jan 07	Claiming Expenses for Non Appointed Games
	DCHUA will not pay expenses for any games they have not officially appointed Umpires to unless you complete the relevant form. It is always best to get appointed to the game BEFORE the game takes place than to umpire and then try and claim expenses. DCHUA reserves the right NOT to pay expenses for private umpiring arrangements. The relevant form can be found in the Web Handbook section of the website. Paddy President ... More
14th Dec 06	Stick Legality
	Is your stick legal? What about the material? What is the ‘rake’ or ‘bow’ and 25mm all about? Click on the link below (... More) to see what is and isn’t legal. Page 52 to 56 inclusive of the Rules of Hockey 2007/2008 gives all the details. Paddy ... More
19th Sep 06	The Stick Rake or Bow
	EH statement regarding changes to the Stick Rule 2006: The FIH Executive Board has confirmed that in the 2006 Rules of Hockey the depth of the stick bow/rake will be limited to 25mm. For international hockey these rules come into force from 1 January 2006. The Board of England Hockey has discussed this equipment specification change and agreed that it will not introduce it as a mandatory change to the entire hockey programme in England in mid-season. “After discussing a number of possible options, the decision is as follows: All players participating in the EHL Premier 1 (Men & Women) shall from 1st January 2006, be required to use only sticks that comply with the new Rule in all EHL and international hockey competition. All other players in England shall from 1st June 2006 be required to use only sticks that comply with the new Rule. Measuring Surface: The stick should ONLY be measured on a flat, hard surface that is longer than the stick. How to Measure for 25mm: Roger Webb, Technical Manager for the International Hockey Federation (FIH), ”The rake or bow is tested using a pointed wedge the point of which is 25 mm from the flat base or using a round cylinder with a diameter of 25 mm. The stick is laid playing side downwards on a flat surface in its natural resting position. The wedge is placed with its base on the surface or the cylinder is laid lengthwise on the surface. The wedge or the cylinder must not pass completely under the stick at any place along its length.” Disqualification Advice: If you find a stick with a bow that measures greater than 25 millimetres say to the athlete, ”I have measured your stick on a hard, flat surface that is longer than your stick. At its highest point, the gap between your stick when resting naturally on that surface was greater than 25 millimetres as measured by this device, which I will gladly allow you to check here for accuracy. This stick may not be used by any participant in this contest.” ... More

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