Level Up Your Field Hockey Knowledge with New Umpiring Workshops

Field Hockey Alberta is teaming up with Dinos Field Hockey to launch a brand-new series of workshops designed to sharpen your knowledge of field hockey rules and elevate umpiring skills. Taking place on September 6 and 13, 2025, the sessions are open to umpires, players, parents, and coaches who want a deeper understanding of the game.

Led by internationally recognized umpires, Lelia Sacré (FIH) and Gillian Batey (FIH Ret.), the workshops provide a unique chance to learn from some of the best in the sport.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone involved in the game to see what the umpires see,” said organizers. “It’s not about certification, but about building confidence, consistency, and knowledge.”

Workshops will combine live game observation, classroom sessions, and open Q&A discussions. Topics include management and positioning, umpire communication, aerials, obstruction, penalty corners, and more.

Whether you spend your time on the pitch or in the stands, these workshops promise insights that will change the way you see the game.

NOTE: This is not a certification course.

Location: University of Calgary Hawkings Field & on-campus classroom (tbc)
Cost: $15 per session or $45 for all four
Register: umpires@fieldhockey.ab.ca

 Day 1 - Saturday Sept. 6, 2025

10:00 am - Introduction and overview of focus (U of C Hawkings Turf)

11:00 am - Observation of Game: UofC vs UBC

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Session 1

Management & Positioning for Umpires
On campus classroom tbc
Facilitators: Gillian Batey and Lelia Sacré

2:45 - 3:45 pm - Session 2

Rules - Aerials and Q & A
Suitable for umpires, coaches, players and parents
On campus classroom tbc
Facilitators: Gillian Batey and Lelia Sacré 

Day 2 - Saturday Sept. 13, 2025

10:00 am - Introduction and overview of focus (U of C Hawkings Turf)

11:00 am - Observation of Game: UofC vs UBC

 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Session 3

Umpire Communication
On campus classroom tbc
Facilitators: Gillian Batey and Lelia Sacré

2:45 - 3:45 pm - Session 4

Rules - Obstruction, Penalty Corners and Q&A
Suitable for umpires, coaches, players and parents
On campus classroom tbc
Facilitators: Lelia Sacré

About the Facilitators

Lelia Sacré is the Umpire Educator for Field Hockey Canada and an active FIH Certified Umpire.	Gillian Batey is a retired FIH Umpire who most recently served as Umpire Manager at the 2025 Field Hockey Canada Junior Nationals.