The first half of the season has been an outstanding period for umpiring at Doncaster Hockey Club, marked by growth, opportunity and well earned recognition. Across the club, our umpires have demonstrated commitment, ambition and quality, helping to raise both standards and profile.

In total, our umpires have completed an impressive 160 appointments so far this season. This reflects not only the dedication of individuals week in, week out, but also the increasing trust placed in our officials across leagues and competitions.

A key milestone has been the continued expansion of our presence in neutral area adult games, with Tom, Lucas and Will all stepping into these fixtures. Their involvement highlights the respect they are earning beyond the club environment and their willingness to test themselves at a higher and more varied level.

Development has been a major success story. We are proud to celebrate three new Level One assessed umpires – Oli, Caitlin and Rhys – who have been making great strides on their journey in officiating.

Alongside them, Tom and Lucas have both achieved Level Two status, reflecting their progress, consistency and readiness for more demanding appointments.

Our umpires have also made their mark on the national stage. Tom and Lucas were selected to officiate at England Junior international friendlies, a fantastic opportunity and a clear sign of the pathway opening up for Doncaster officials. Lucas and Rhys further represented the club at the IHUK National Indoor Championships, gaining invaluable experience in a high-pressure environment.

One of the standout achievements of the season has been Max Davidson’s selection to the European Umpire Development Panel. This is a remarkable accomplishment and places Max among a small group of just eight umpires from across the continent with exciting prospects in European officiating. Adding to this, Max has already been umpiring in the Men’s Premier League Indoor competition, showcasing Doncaster Hockey Club on one of the sport’s biggest domestic stages.

Off the pitch, we have continued to invest in growth and learning. Our partnership with NYUP umpires from Loughborough has created a valuable development opportunity, allowing officials to share experiences, receive feedback and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Together, these achievements underline the strength of umpiring at Doncaster Hockey Club. From new starters to international appointments, the first half of the season has shown that we are not only building numbers, but building quality, ambition and a pathway for the future. The second half of the season promises even more to come.

Thanks to our sponsors:
DC Tailormade Journeys, Avalon, Believe Money Group, Hawsons, The Regent Hotel, Home Farm & Lodge, Rectified Electrical, Print Broker Services, Mortgage Line Services, JHA Architecture, Yorkshire Caravans & Motorhomes, Xeinadin, CF Booth Ltd, Young Guns, Mulberry Accounting, Jenkinson Insurance, One Call Insurance, Innorail.