Sussex Young Umpires is a free three stage program that runs all the way from small-sided games for those just beginning, to 11AS Level 1 assessed umpires and beyond. The idea is to offer support to our young officials and enable them to progress and thoroughly enjoy their umpiring. Anyone aged 11-20 can take part.

Clubs are encouraged to provide a mentor, while programme mentors are available at the major County events to help them along their journey.

Opportunities include the chance to umpire at County Junior tournaments, officiating at County training games, and viewing and feeding back with elite umpires. They are encouraged to help at club training before progressing to junior tiered games, JDL matches and eventually to adult league games. There is also the opportunity to mentor as they move towards stage three. New opportunities open up all the time, with the program always keen to embrace anything that will help the young officials with their journey.

Each stage has its own umpiring shirt so that their level is clear to all taking part in the matches and also as a sign of their progress. Stage one is pink, stage two is teal blue and stage three is lime green. Young umpires get a logbook they can fill in to monitor their progress with lots of clear targets to achieve.

Umpires can also achieve the honour of Sussex County Colours by officiating at three or more County events in a single season – these include the In2s, the two Ron Easton events, and County training games.

We are incredibly proud of all the young umpires who have taken part in the program so far and hugely appreciate the contribution they make to the sport of hockey.

For further information email Vicky at youngumps@gmail.com