Report to ERHA AGM from East Region Hockey Umpiring Association

July 2008

Firstly I am sorry to have to send my apologies to the AGM.

ERHUA has continued to fulfil its purposes, developing umpiring in the Region, by developing regional level umpires, umpire coaches, umpire managers, umpire selectors and assessors; to provide umpires to designated matches; and to provide support for umpires throughout the East.

It has continues to organise the Premier League Umpires’ Meeting (PLUM) at the beginning of the season. This year’s event, to be held on 6/7 September, will provide our umpires with top-class hockey at two venues, Chelmsford and Old Loughtonians, and many EHL teams will be participating. Coaching and assessment of members has taken place throughout the season. Training events have been run in order to develop umpire coaches and umpire managers and umpire assessors.

At our recent AGM, the Umpiring Association has changed its constitution so that ERYUAG now forms a constituent part of the association. Young umpires are to have their own section of our website so that their data will be protected, as is necessary. It is hoped that the changes made will lead to a more coherent structure through which young umpires will develop to the adult ranks. I am grateful to ERHA for the financial support they have given which will enable the website to incorporate the changes that are necessary.

In recent months we have been working with Margaret McCall to ensure that the financial aspects of ERHUA, which she has undertaken since the amalgamation, can be transferred smoothly from ERHA. It is hoped that the transfer will take place smoothly and seamlessly. We are grateful to Margaret for the incredible level of support that she has given to us over recent years and we look forward to her continuing support in the future.

A significant part of the role of ERHUA is to recruit umpires who can develop and umpire to the highest levels. A significant problem at the present time is the lack of women umpires progressing to East level who are prepared to umpire women’s hockey. Overcoming this problem is presenting a major problem for our sport at regional level. The Umpiring Committee will continue to work hard to encourage the development of umpires, umpire managers and coaches throughout the Region.

M.Trett

Chairman, ERHUA