Certification Information

Four Levels of Umpiring Certification in Alberta

What does it mean to be a certified umpire in Alberta? Who should be certified for what league, club or for certain tournaments? The information provided here are the required steps involved in becoming a certified umpire. The information provide is to help guide the various leagues operating within Alberta in regard to the level of certification needed for their level of competition.

• Canadian (Highest in Canada)
  The Canadian rating is for umpires who officiate at national, domestic championships. This is the highest level of umpiring within Canada. Umpires with this certification can officiate any level of tournament in Canada, including: Senior National Championships, CIS Competition and U19 National Championships.
• Regional
  The Regional rating is for umpires who offiate at national and regional level events. FHA offers regional level umpiring courses within Alberta. Umpires who have this certification can officiate at various tournaments in Canada, including: U19 National Championships, U16 National Championships and other regional tournaments (Prairie Youth Games).
• Provincial (Previously named Provincial A)
  The Provincial rating is for umpires who officiate at the local level, including the various leagues throughout Alberta. Generally a Provincial certified umpire would officiate the top league matches both Men and the Women’s competition. An example of the top leagues this certification would officiate would be: Calgary Ladies Field Hockey Association (Division 1), Field Hockey Association of Calgary (Division 1 & 2) and the Edmonton Field Hockey Association.
• Community (Previously named Provincial B, entry level)

Steps to Becoming a Certified Umpire in Alberta

1. Reach out to admin@fieldhockey.ab.ca 
2. Attend an umpiring course and pass a written exam.
3. Obtain field rating (s)