Whilst the vast majority of claims should have been submitted already, could we remind everyone to please ensure that any non-EYHL (HI Cup Competitions, Interprovincials, international friendlies etc.) are submitted to the appropriate Umpire Co-ordinators (Tom or Kim) no later than Sunday 26th January 2020 as the Hockey Ireland 2019 accounts will be closing shortly. Late claims will not be paid. Thank you kindly for your compliance.

***** Please Note - you are entitled to claim subsistence & expenses regardless of where the game is *****

The FIH has recently promoted the following umpires: -

Linda Coughlan to International Umpire

Russell Donaldson to International Umpire

Shane O’Donnell from International Umpire to Advancement Panel

Malcolm Coombes from International Umpire to Advancement Panel

Rob Abbott from International Umpire to Advancement Panel (Indoor)

Carol Metchette to International Umpires Manager

We would like to congratulate all of them on their fantastic achievement, particularly Linda and Russell on gaining their international umpiring badges, and wish them every success for their future umpiring.

Hockey Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of two new programmes aimed at growing the base of umpires within hockey: - the Elite Umpiring Programme and the Club Umpire Programme.

Working with the IHUA and Provincial Associations, the Programmes will run in 2019/2020. Hockey Ireland aim to see influential changes right from grassroots hockey through to European level. While the Programmes are aimed at growing umpiring at all levels, the Programme is funded by the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Programme and the focus for the first year will be on female umpiring.

Elite Umpiring Programme

The main aim of the Elite Umpiring Programme is to create a fast-track pathway for females, for those wanting to achieve high standards of umpiring in a short period of time.

Across the whole of Ireland, we need to engage 24 female umpires. Within the duration of our funding we are aiming to have one female working with the EHF on the Umpire Development Programme. This Programme will ...

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Catch up on this recently uploaded story including a 16 minute on-air interview with Galway Bay FM..........

The European Hockey Federation made a number of appointments this week for upcoming tournaments. Many congratulations to all our members, below, who were selected: -

17th to 19th January 2020 - Colm Kavanagh, appointed as National Umpire to: Indoor Men's EuroHockey Indoor Championship III @ Santander (ESP)

24th to 26th January 2020 - Tara Browne, appointed as National Umpire to: Indoor Women's EuroHockey Indoor Championship III @ Bratislava (SVK)

14th to 16th February 2020 - Rob Abbott, appointed as National Umpire to: Indoor Men's EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy @ Alanya (TUR)

21st to 23rd February 2020 – Tara Browne, EHF Appointed Umpire to: Indoor Women's EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy @ Siauliai (LTU)

21st to 23rd February 2020 – Liz Clifford, EHF Appointed Umpire to: Indoor Women's EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge II @ Puconci (SLO)

21st to 23rd February 2020 – Tom Goode, appointed as Umpire Manager to: Indoor Women's EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge I @ ...

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A new HI Umpires Claim Form and an updated Expenses Rate Card for the 2019/20 season has now been uploaded onto this system under 'Card Reporting and Expenses Claim Forms'

Please ensure that you use the nice new claim form forthwith!

***** Please submit any outstanding claims for Irish Cup competitions *****

We are aware of a few problems that have developed at the end of last season and the start of the current season with some of the UmpireTalk radios, mainly due to natural wear and tear. Of course there are a number that continue to work with no problems.

This notice is just to say that we are working on solution in conjunction with the Provinces as everyone recognises the widespread importance of radio usage for all matches. It is important that we try and get a radio that suits our wider needs as well as ensuring the cost is affordable. For this reason we will be looking to test some options in the next couple of weeks.

If we can agree on a radio then realistically we are probably looking at just after Christmas for their introduction.

We are delighted to inform you of the announcement from the EHF that Ellie Duffy has been selected on their Umpire Development Programme (UDP). Ellie will join five other participants in the 2020-2022 Programme.

We would like to congratulate Ellie on her selection and this excellent opportunity. We wish her every success in what will be a challenging three years.

Tom Goode has also been selected as a mentor on the Programme along with Caroline Brunekreef (NED) and we also wish Tom Goode a successful three years developing umpires of the future!

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made some changes to the rules of hockey. These came into effect in the domestic game within Ireland on 1st August 2019.

It is important for all participants and officials that these changes are communicated and that we understand the concept of these changes so that their introduction is as smooth as possible.

Please see the attached document which details the main changes for the coming season.

For a full copy of the FIH Rules of Hockey 2019 - click on 'Information and Downloads' and go to 'Rules and Guidance'