Providing the framework to encourage more people to become involved in umpiring is the aim of a new program being introduced by the Tamworth Hockey Association this season.
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The specialised umpiring program will cater for both new and experienced umpires, and will serve two main purposes - building numbers and building quality.
Tamworth does boast some of the best umpires in the state. Martin Courtney was named Hockey NSW's official of the year for 2019 and Sarah Willis the junior female umpire of the year.
But it is a constant struggle to retain umpires and attract new umpires.
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"Basically we need more umpires involved in the game," the program's coordinator Dane James said.
"And we need to raise the standard."
While he will oversee the overall program, each of the sub committees (junior boys, junior girls, mens and womens) will each have their own umpire convenor.
One of the most important elements of the program is providing support. Among the most common reasons for people not putting their hand up is a lack of confidence and not feeling like the support is there.
"We want the umpires to feel supported," James said.
All beginner umpires will have someone appointed to run or walk with them until they are confident enough.
Another of the key components is development. Each umpire will receive at least of two coaching and feedback sessions (in a regular season). James said they are also hoping to offer at least three professional development sessions a season.
So far they have around 80 on the database but James is hoping to get around 100.
"We've estimated there'll be 104 umpiring appointments per week," he said.
"I'm hoping we get 100 people on the list so we've got good variety."
The program will also see some significant changes to the way umpiring is coordinated across the various competitions.
The head of each sub-committee will appoint the referees for games in their respective competitions rather than as James put it "clubs trying to scrounge up a umpire when they are allocated a game".
Streamlining the system, the database will also be linked with Hockey NSW and umpires will be allocated to specific grades. If they want to go up to another grade they will have to achieve a certain badge as per the state body's accreditation levels.
Anyone who wants to get involved can email umpires@tamworthhockey.com.au. James is also chasing sponsorship to try and cut the running costs.
