We are proud to share the recent successes of a number of our Whistlers who have either fully qualified as Level 1s or are well on their way. This is great news as a club of our size, playing so much hockey, needs to continually increase our number of umpires.

In recent weeks Nick Burnett, our Lead Umpire Developer, has been hard at work watching and assessing a number of the team (for that is what the Whistlers are). As a result two more of our members are now fully qualified Level 1 umpires.

They are Holly Wragg who only joined us this season from Urmston. Holly was assessed on a tough Grade 3 Men’s 4s local derby game against Bowdon, which in Nick’s words was the highest and hardest level game he has ever assessed anyone on. Holly passed with flying colours.

Meanwhile, our second umpire to successfully qualify is Mike Dufton. This is a great achievement by Mike as he has never played hockey and only took the whistle up to support his son Charlie in Beavers, Badgers and now senior hockey. Mike recently umpired with one of our Level 2 umpires , Stu Nicholson, who was very impressed by the quality of Mike’s decision making.

You will see from our photos that as people qualify we have been rewarding them with England Hockey umpire shirts which is the least we can do in return for their efforts and support for the section. In our whistler pipeline, Joseph Williamson and Natalie Scott have both passed their Level 1 online course and are now getting practice and working with Nick to prepare for their assessment games.

As always, we need more junior (13+) and senior players, parents and supporters, of THC to get involved so that we can keep growing the Whistling pool. Remember….no umpires means no game!

It’s a lot more enjoyable, and certainly less daunting, than it used to be….you always umpire at home, you’re miked up so always supported and buddied by a fellow Timperley umpire.

Jackie Lord is working with the ladies, Nick and Fozzy with the men, to help choose matches to practice on which fit in with your games. Nick will be on hand to coach and encourage.

Umpiring at Timperley is a very rewarding experience. We have a fun and supportive community of men and women across the Hockey section. We have built a reputation within the North West Area for both the quality and fairness of our officiating and we encourage as many people as possible to come forward and give it a go!

Of course, its not just umpires that need to understand the Rules of Hockey ! Why not test yourself (players and spectators!) and see you do ! CLICK HERE and have a go a 'You're the Umpire' or the Online Rules Test!

To get involved contact Andrew Foster or speak to Fozzy, Nick , Jackie, Anna Mawby or your captain who’ll put you in touch.

Finally, huge thanks to everyone who has picked up a whistle so far this season who have covered over 200 matches plus those who help with the Junior GM tournaments for our U8/10 and 12's.

Andrew Foster
Umpire Co-ordinator