The EHF Education Committee – Working Group Umpires has announced the introduction a new educational pathway for umpires. Beginning in 2017, the Umpires Development Project (UDP) and Umpires 4 Europe (U4E) programmes will be linked together to create this ‘pathway’ for promising umpires.
This means that, in the future, in order to be eligible for UDP in 2017, umpires must first apply successfully to the U4E programme and attend the practical weekend in Breda, Netherlands (26th-28th August 2016). It is here that the committee and selectors will have an opportunity to interact and view all the umpires in action. The selection committee will include members of the Umpires Working group, the UDP Lead and a member of the Appointments Committee.
Therefore, in order to apply to UDP in 2017, umpires interested MUST apply to U4E in 2016. No umpires outside U4E umpires will be invited to join UDP Group 11 in 2017.
In order to make sure no umpire is left out, the U4E programme will be increased to 36 available places. If an umpire is selected for UDP, they will immediately transfer from U4E to the UDP programme, and there will therefore be no delay in the progression of umpires.
Applications for the U4E programme will be sent in March, 2016 by the EHF Office.
PROVISIONAL TIMELINE
Early March 2016 – call to NAs to apply for U4E programme
April 2016 – U4E members are announced
26th-28th August 2016 – U4E Practical Weekend in Breda, Netherlands
October 2016 – NAs advised of umpires selected for UDP Group 11, and asked to confirm their financial support for the umpire on the UDP programme.
December 2016 – UDP Group 11 announced
Umpires who do not get selected for UDP will continue on the U4E programme for 2 years, and may apply for a third year, or a subsequent U4E/UDP Group, depending on their progress.
Have some questions? Email us at info@eurohockey.org and we’ll be happy to help!
Source: EHF