Hockey India introduces 126 new umpires and technical officials, selected via online viva

Image Credit: Twitter/TheHockeyIndia

On Monday, May 24, Hockey India declared 126 new Umpires and technical officials in the Hockey India officiating system for the domestic tournament in the junior and sub-junior categories.

Hockey India (HI) conducted two sets of online workshops from September 2021 to March 2021 and after completion of this workshop, HI selected the umpires, technical officials, and judges through Online Viva.

For the selection process of umpires and technical officials, the Induction program is divided into three different levels. Sessions in Level 1 are made to provide the basic knowledge of the FIH rules and regulations of Hockey, the roles and responsibilities of the officials. To achieve Level 2, a candidate has to pass an online test that has been based on the earlier done sessions of Level 1.

And the Level 3 sessions are based on the FIH General Tournament Regulations, FIH guidelines for fitness of Umpires, information on match reports, and statistics for technical officials, HI Grading Guidelines, the importance of performance feedback reports, and various other operational knowledge. And the final evaluation of the eligible candidates is made through Online Viva after the completion of the Level 3 workshops. A total of 60 Judges (21 female and 39 male)and 66 umpires (16 female and 50 male) have been selected.

Speaking on the induction of 126 candidates, Mr. Gyanendro Ningombam, President of Hockey India said all the 126 selected members are eligible to take charge in Hockey India for the Junior and Sub-Junior category tournaments. Further, he added that not only it is important to focus on the growth of players from a basic level but also it is equally important to be focused on empowering the growth of Umpires and Judges. Mr. Ningombam congratulates all the newly elected members and also wishes them “All the Best” for their upcoming challenges.

He said, “It’s fantastic to note that as many as 126 new candidates have become eligible to officiate in Hockey India sanctioned Sub-Junior and Junior category tournaments. Along with focussing on the growth of players at the grass-root level, it’s equally important to focus on growing the strength of Umpires and Judges and providing them with an opportunity to hone their officiating skills in the sport of hockey. I wish the candidates all the very best for their upcoming challenges. The induction of new officials in the Hockey India officiating system will further add to the level of competition among the officials and will motivate them to work harder in order to improve their performances and maintain their grades. “