Expressions of Interest: Officiating Chair & Division Representatives

Expressions of Interest: Officiating Chair & Division Representatives

South East Hockey is inviting expressions of interest and nominations for two important volunteer roles: Officiating Chair and Division Representatives. These positions play a vital part in the running of hockey across our region, and we're keen to hear from members who are passionate about the game and want to help shape its future.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to put themselves forward, as well as nominations of others you believe would be well suited to these roles.

Officiating Chair

The Officiating Chair provides vision, leadership, and strategic planning for all aspects of officiating across South East Hockey, working in line with England Hockey guidelines. The role oversees the Officiating Committee to ensure the delivery of umpire development pathways, support for umpires at every level, and a high standard of service, acting as the key link between officiating and the wider game.

Key responsibilities include:

• Organising and chairing Officiating Committee meetings, including agendas, minutes, reports, and the annual budget
• Leading discussions impartially and holding a casting vote on unresolved issues
• Reporting committee activities and decisions to the Area Board of Directors
• Overseeing umpire development through coaching, mentoring, assessment, and recruitment
• Managing umpire complaints on behalf of the England Hockey Officiating Association
• Embedding up-to-date health, safety, and welfare policies
• Representing the Officiating Committee at Sub-Area, Area, and National meetings, including the Officiating Working Group, to help shape national officiating pathways

Is this role for you?

We're looking for a strategic leader with excellent communication and facilitation skills, a thorough knowledge of grassroots and neutral umpiring, and a strong appreciation of the voluntary nature of officiating. Ideal candidates will bring:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Deep knowledge of umpiring practices and officiating pathways
• An empathetic understanding of volunteer commitments
• The ability to manage committees and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills
• A commitment to health, safety, and welfare in sport
• Strategic vision and a passion for developing officiating opportunities

Division Representative

The Division Representative manages the administration of a league division within South East Hockey, ensuring competitions are fair, competitive, and well run. The role acts as the first point of contact for teams within the division, providing timely, supportive responses to queries, administering the match-day process, and upholding the Adult League Regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Attending Adult League Management Committee meetings and reporting on the division's position and any notable issues
• Reporting to the Adult Leagues & Competitions Chair
• Managing the division day-to-day, keeping information up to date in line with the Adult League Regulations
• Acting as the main point of contact for teams, offering advice, guidance, and support
• Monitoring teams to ensure players are registered and match sheets completed as required
• Investigating queries from teams and officials, including results and match-day issues
• Monitoring results, addressing anomalies, and applying or escalating action for breaches of Regulations
• Supporting the South East Finance Director with the collection of fines, where required

Time commitment and practical arrangements:

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week, though this can vary depending on seasonal workload and events
• Remote working, with occasional attendance at local meetings and events within the South East region
• Voluntary position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Is this role for you?

We're looking for someone who communicates well, enjoys collaborating, and is flexible in responding to queries, with a good understanding of competitions. You'll need to be organised, willing to learn, and able to understand and apply the League Regulations consistently.

How to Apply or Nominate

If you're interested in either role, or would like to nominate someone else, we'd love to hear from you. There is no formal closing date, but we're aiming to have people in place for the first half of the coming season, so early expressions of interest are encouraged.

Please send your expression of interest or nomination, along with a short note on your (or the nominee's) relevant experience and interest in the role, to Governance and Operations:

Email: governance@southeast.hockey / operations@southeast.hockey

If you have any questions about either role before applying, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the same contact details above.

South East Hockey relies on the dedication of volunteers like you to keep the game running smoothly at every level — we look forward to hearing from you.