Umpiring is a fundamental part of the game of hockey. From the first mention of an umpire in the formal Rules of Hockey, in 1886, to the part they play in the modern game, umpiring is a fascinating story that clearly needs its own archive. The 'art' of umpiring and the way it has changed, the kit, the relationship with the players, the setting up of separate Umpires Associations, the introduction of training and coaching will all have a part to play in this story. The Hockey Museum (THM) already has many documents, pieces of equipment, kit and memorabilia relating to umpiring but as yet the work to research it fully has not started. The development of the technical table and associated technical and judging roles will also need to be documented in time.

The development of the rules of hockey is a story in itself and is yet to be fully documented but a brief synopsis covering the mid 19^th century to the modern day can be read by clicking on the topmost icon to the right.

The separate history of the rules of indoor hockey is also fascinating and we have a copy of a document written in November 2000 by Ernie Wall, a member of the International Rules Board and the International Hockey Federation's Indoor Hockey Committee. Click on the second icon to the right to read it.

The Museum has copies of official rules books going back to 1889. To see a full list of the copies we hold, please visit the Umpiring And Rule Books section of the Library.

If you are interested in getting involved in this work or have some interesting items or stories to give us, please get in touch with THM Curator, Mike Smith, using the online contact form. We are particularly interested in finding copies of the All England Women's Hockey Association (AEWHA) Umpiring Sub Committee meetings as the official records have yet to be found.