Two new documents published by the FIH on 1st June 2018 have been added to the Irish HUA Information Section under 'FIH Information and Guidance'.

The 'Grading of International Officials' shows the new FIH panel structure. Note: the FIH has placed all FIH international umpires into a specific panel - this can be viewed on their website.

The 'Guidelines for Fitness of FIH Umpires' shows the new fitness testing standard required for all umpires for their respective panels. Note: the fitness levels are no longer representative of age!

The Irish Hockey Umpires Association (IHUA) remains seriously concerned about the shortage of qualified umpires and the general acceptance of this ever deepening problem. IHUA has therefore launched its 4 Year Plan, in conjunction with the Provincial Umpire Associations/Working Groups, for umpiring at both national and provincial level and this framework document provides a number of strategies for addressing the current crisis in respect of the recruitment and retention of umpires at all ages.

We recognise the substantial umpiring problems that continue to exist particularly with our provincial umpiring colleagues week to week. It was therefore vital that any national umpiring strategy had the involvement and support of our provincial colleagues and we welcome their contribution to the final product.

The strategic objectives outlined in our 4 Year Plan basically provide us with an essential foundation for moving forward with hope. However, IHUA and the Umpire Associations ...

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