2026 NHA UMPIRES

NHA 2026 CLUB REPRESENTATIVES & UMPIRES GATHERING

• NHA Pavilion – Thursday, April 30th

Get ready, team … the season is almost here, and we’re kicking things off together!

This is your chance to connect, align, and energies before the first whistle blows.

Evening Schedule

• 5:00pm – Div. 5 & 6
• 6:00pm – Div. 4
• 7:00pm – Senior Grades

Whether you’re a club rep, an umpire, or both, your presence matters.

This gathering is all about strengthening communication, building relationships, and setting the tone for a smooth, successful 2026 season.

• We strongly encourage all clubs to send their representatives and umpires … the more voices in the room, the stronger our hockey community becomes.

Please confirm your attendance with NHA RDM Ryan Clements:

rdm@nelsonhockey.org.nz

Let’s come together, share kōrero, and gear up for an awesome season ahead.

See you there!

HNZ Colin French Workshop

Junior & Seniors

May 15th / 16th & 17th (TBC)

Contents and Format (TBC)

• Week 0

Introductory meeting – all interested umpires to attend

Rule overview – signals primary and intermediate rule set explained – expectations around how the games should be managed.

Whistling Techniques

Positioning on field.

Set expectations around – uniforms, check in times, communication with players and umpires whilst on the field.

expectations around player, coach and spectator behavior and how to manage any issues that arise. 

Set Goals fun fair safe

No lifted balls above knees – free hit against hitter

 

• Week 1 – 6th May 2026 

Umpire positioning and teamwork

Signaling & communication with players

Managing difficult players

Intermediate – Danger / dangerous play (lifted balls) and safety of players

 

• Week 2 -3 13th and 20th May 

Causal catch up work with individuals as required

watch games as able

Ensure consistent application of rules by all Junior Umpires

Identify any trends that need to be resolved before becoming bad habits – bad positioning, poor signalling etc.

 

• Week 4 – 27th May Post Round Umpire meeting

Feedback from weeks 1-3 review any trends identified.

reinforce positioning throughout game and circle positioning

Stick obstruction / back of stick

Clear communication of decisions clear indication of ruling and arm use, explanation of why decision was made e.g. free hit white (signal) for foot.(secondary signal)

PC positioning and why we are positioned a certain way

Rules Q & A

Goal setting for individuals 

 

• Week 5-6 3rd – 10th June

Causal Catch up, work with individuals as required.

Watch Games as able

 

• Week 7 – 17th June

Umpire observations by mentors – notes in book

review game management and dealing with disruptive players

coaches and supporters

review signalling and communication amongst umpires and with players

 

• Week 8 – 24th June

Rule Quiz, scenario discussions 

Review Whistling Techniques / confidence

Review Goal progress adjust as required/ review feedback book 

Season Review looks to push primary Intermediate.

 

• Week 9 – 1 Jul 

Causal Catch up, work with individuals as required.

Watch Games as able

 

• Week 10 – 11 8th – 15th Jul

No Games

 

• Week 12 – 22nd Jul – Post Round umpire meeting (mid season review)

Umpire observations by mentors – notes in book

Review expectations around punctuality uniform and game management

 

• Week 13-14 – 29th Jul 5th Aug 

Causal Catch up, work with individuals as required.

Watch Games as able

 

• Week 15 – 12 Aug 

Work on common errors and positioning fine tuning,

Review personal goals see if goals have been met

 

• Week 16 – 19th Aug

Review Individuals goals and fine tune as required

 

• Week 17 – 26 Aug

End of Season wrap up