Level 1 Coach Award

  Vocationally Related Award made in partnership with 1^st 4 Sport Awarding Body, gives an externally accredited qualification that sits on the National Qualifications Framework. This is the minimum qualification required for those who assist with hockey coaching sessions. Intended to provide essential skills and knowledge necessary to run safe and enjoyable sessions for players to be introduced to the game and helped to improve.

 Minimum age for accreditation is 18 years. The course is suitable for those with some experience of playing hockey or those who have attain a Leadership Certificate. Minimum course length is 16 hours, with a formal assessment at the end.

 Those licensed at Level 1 will be entitled to coach independently, although they should only coach those skills that they are qualified to.

 VRQ Level 2 Coach Award

 A qualification for those who wish to coach the techniques of the game at a level beyond the introductory level and apply them to tactical play and the coaching of teams.

 The course is only suitable for those with a Level 1 Award and experience of coaching hockey.  The is a 3 hour induction session, then a minimum of 35 hours tutored pitch time and theory work, followed by 14 hours of mentored practical coaching. There are two practical assessments, one with adults and one with children. The course must be completed with 18 months of registration.

 Those licensed at Level 2 will be able to coach a full range of techniques and skill and lead a group of coaches.

Zone Hockey

The Foundation Umpire Award
 This is suitable for students or inexperienced club players who want to learn the Rules of the game and some basic umpiring skills. It is an enjoyable course involving a theory session in the classroom, an examination paper and a short practical assessment. Eleven a-side or Mini Hockey can be used for the practical assessment at the end of the course. Courses are set up for a minimum of 10 participants. 

Level One :
 This Award is the passport to umpiring competitive hockey in England and is aimed at those who wish to take their umpiring seriously and officiate in local leagues and club games/events.  The Award involves four hours of classroom tuition, three unsupervised practice games, an examination paper and a practical assessment on an 11 a-side game.  Each County is responsible for its own register of Level One umpires and courses are regularly organised.  Once accredited, Level One Umpires are required to umpire a minimum of five games a year.  If they are player umpires, the requirement is reduced to three. 

Level Two :
 This Award is based on assessment in the Regional Programmes - Leagues, Tournament Finals, BUSA Championships or other games measured to be of the required standard. Level Two Umpires who officiate at the top of the Regional Programmes are eligible for assessment in the National Programme.