Please see the attached link for a further full statement from Hockey Ireland.

The Hockey Ireland Board, after further consultation with its branches, has decided the following in the interest of the health and safety of the hockey community and all people on the island of Ireland, that the 2019/20 hockey season for all league, cup and all other domestic hockey competitions in Ireland are deemed to have finished.

The Competitions Working Group’s proposals, addressing the postponement or cancellation of fixtures, the final league standings, promotion and relegation, and possible European spots for the 2020/21 season will then go to the Hockey Ireland Board for consideration and approval. The final decisions on the details for the conclusion of 2019/2020 season will be published no later than the 12th of April.

"Hockey Ireland together with its four provincial branches are suspending all hockey activity with immediate effect until the 29th March 2020 and is directing all clubs and schools to do the same. All hockey activity including training and education across clubs and schools must now cease."

Hockey Ireland today have released an updated Code of Conduct.

This can be found under 'Information and Downloads and then go to the Rules and Guidance documents.

If anyone wants any IHUA jackets including the warmer ones, you will urgently need to advise us, by no later than tomorrow, Wednesday 19 February.

Condivo (rain)

Core (long rugby style)

Winter (puffy)

Email us at irish.umpires@gmail.com to advise us of your order.

Unfortunately given the recent upgrading to a national orange weather warning for 0500 until 1200 tomorrow we have had to take the decision to cancel the EYHL training event.

Thank you to those who have contributed to the planning of this event - particularly our guest speakers Niall Denham and Emma Russell, and the facilities we were kindly offered at UCD. We will be in touch with potential reschedule dates in the future.

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 *****

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'