The popularity of umpiring is on the up at Timperley! And it’s all down to the irresistible charm and passion of our very own Nick Burnett, the newly crowned England Hockey 2016 Club Umpire of the Year.

Last Sunday witnessed 24 enthusiastic hockey players (yes, twenty four) throwing themselves into the Level 1 Umpire course, hosted by Timperley . Twelve men, women, girls and boys from across our own Timperley teams, were joined by 12 attracted in from neighbouring clubs, to learn the truth behind the mystery of decisions made in our matches every weekend.

The theory session in the clubroom was spent debating application of the rules and generally putting the umpiring world to right, whilst the on-pitch practical exercises seemed to major on blowing your whistle for maximum impact and the correct way to card people.

Anyway, great fun was had by all…look out for new faces officiating your match, and treat them with kindness as they try to “be confident but not arrogant”, “Smile but not Smirk” and implement the “legitimate evasive action” and “encroachment” rules surrounding lifted and aerial balls.

Oh yes…and if you’re interested in having a go yourself, contact our resident Umpiring Guru (AKA Nick Burnett) or speak to any of the players who attended Sunday’s course

Jackie Lord

Big Thank You and congratulations to our #Timperley12 budding umpires who gave up their time to do the course on Sunday and congratulations for passing with flying colours.

Players and spectators - its our turn now to make sure we support and encourage them as they continue to work towards their Level 1 Assessment. if you know the Rules well enough to share your knowledge with any of our umpires sounds like your an ideal candidate to get on the course and join the 'pool' !

Dervla Foley
· Alex McBride
· Emily Ross
· Tarun Sathi
· Chris Young
· Rob Judd
· Jackie Lord
· Ade Luther
· Leonnie Molloy
· Jo Nicholson
· Jo Robinson
· Ben Wright