BRISBANE WOMEN’S HOCKEY ASSOCIATION INC.

Purpose

This policy provides guidelines and procedures for all appointed BWHA Representative Umpires.

Scope

This policy applies to all members selected as umpires for a BWHA Representative Team.

Definitions

Policy Statement

The Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association Inc. (BWHA) is committed to providing opportunities for all officials to represent BWHA at Regional and State Championships. BWHA recognizes its unique position and responsibility to create a supportive environment for all members. We comply with all relevant legislation and regulations and strive for best practices in all areas, offering equitable opportunities for all. The Representative Umpires Policy will be available on our website, and staff and members are encouraged to contribute ideas or suggestions for improvement at any time.

Responsibility

The Umpires and Technical Committee (UTC) is designated as the Representative Umpire Policy Coordinator and is responsible for the ongoing implementation and compliance with this policy. This policy will be reviewed annually.

Related Procedures

Refer to attached procedures.

BRISBANE WOMEN’S HOCKEY ASSOCIATION INC.
REPRESENTATIVE UMPIRES PROCEDURE

1. BWHA Selection Process:

1.1 Nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form by the due date.
1.2 A list of nominations for each tournament will be compiled by the BWHA Office and forwarded to the relevant committees for appointment:

• U12, U14, U16: Junior Committee
• U18, Masters: Umpire and Technical Committee (UTC)

Appointed umpires will be notified, and the BWHA Office will send newsletters and additional information.
In case of insufficient or incorrectly qualified nominations, the Junior Committee and UTC will seek additional nominations.
If there are still gaps before a Southern Cross tournament, the Junior Committee (U12, U14, U16) or UTC (U18, Masters) will directly contact suitable umpires.
Selection will be based on the umpire’s ability to achieve the next level of badging or development.

2. BWHA Expectations:

2.1 Umpires’ primary responsibility is to the BWHA Representative Team.
2.2 Umpires must conduct themselves in accordance with the BWHA Code of Conduct, upholding the good name of the Association at all times.
2.3 Any derogatory conduct will result in a report from the Team Manager to BWHA, and the umpire will be required to attend a BWHA judiciary hearing.
2.4 Umpires are expected to act in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
2.5 Umpires under 18 years of age are prohibited from consuming alcohol, smoking tobacco, or vaping and must comply with the Team Manager’s curfew.
2.6 Umpires over 18 must adhere to curfew times and responsibly manage their alcohol, tobacco, and vaping use.
2.7 BWHA supports the Hockey Queensland Anti-Doping Policy.
2.8 The use of recreational drugs or prohibited substances as defined under Anti-Doping laws is strictly prohibited.
2.9 Umpires are responsible for their personal needs, including the washing of uniforms while on tour.

3. HQ Expectations:

3.1 Approach the assessment process with a positive attitude.
3.2 Be aware of your current badge level.
3.3 Seek feedback from assessors, take notes, and apply it to improve your umpiring.
3.4 Be prepared and enthusiastic for each allocation.

4. The Umpire Shall:

4.1 Be available for all training sessions, trials, and Southern Cross events. Team Managers will provide details regarding training sessions.
4.2 Wear the designated uniform for travel and transfers as directed by the Team Manager.
4.3 Coordinate with the Team Manager to ensure transportation to and from the venue.
4.4 Wear the designated uniform for games, including black skirt, knee-length black socks, and a yellow (or designated) HQ umpiring shirt, as per HQ rules.
4.5 Adhere to assembly details and follow Team Manager or association instructions.
4.6 Travel with the team as advised. Requests to travel separately must be submitted with the nomination form and approved by BWHA Management.
4.7 Accept the authority of the Team Manager during the tour.
4.8 Attend all official meetings and functions as directed by the Team Manager.
4.9 Direct any grievances to the Team Manager.
4.10 Complete and submit the Umpire Agreement, Indemnity Form, and Uniform Order Form to the Team Manager or BWHA Office by the due date.
4.11 If injured, complete a fitness test at least 14 days prior to departure or the last training session. Notify the Team Manager and BWHA with a medical certificate if necessary.

5. Prior to the Championship:

5.1 Obtain a copy of the current Rule Book (download the FIH App from www.fihockey.org).
5.2 Read the Rule Book and other relevant documents.
5.3 Purchase a Fox 40 or Fox 40 mini whistle (pea-less) and a spare. (Available at Just Hockey at SHC and Downey Park).
5.4 Obtain a set of warning cards – green, yellow, and red.
5.5 Observe experienced umpires for their positioning and interpretations.
5.6 Umpire as much as possible to build confidence and knowledge.

6. At the Championship:

6.1 Attend the pre-tournament meeting and note any important information or interpretations.
6.2 Regularly check the draw for umpire and technical allocations; you may be required as a reserve umpire.
6.3 As a reserve umpire, you may be required to fill in as a technical official (e.g., match report sheets, ensuring substitutions are done correctly). Be prepared to step in if needed.
6.4 Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of each game, fully prepared.
6.5 Warm-up and cool down; stay nourished and hydrated during the tournament.
6.6 Review the Rules Book and AHL Briefing regularly.
6.7 Seek clarification or feedback from assessors if necessary.
6.8 Watch experienced umpires to learn about signaling, positioning, and interpretations.
6.9 View the assessment process as a valuable opportunity for feedback and development from International and Australian umpires.
6.10 Enjoy the experience!

7. Transport at Venue:

• Representative umpires may be required to:
  • If over 25 years old, drive a hire vehicle.
  • Sign for the hire vehicle and provide a credit card for security.
  • Organize transportation to and from the venue each day.

BWHA will reimburse any umpire who incurs charges for a BWHA-organized hire vehicle on their credit card.
Ensure all passengers wear seat belts at all times.
Coordinate travel arrangements, including multiple trips if necessary, to accommodate all players and umpires.
Verify that the required personnel are in the vehicle before it departs.