2026 National Umpire Forum
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 1, 2026 | Umpire Education | Charlotte, NC
USA Field Hockey’s Umpiring department is excited to announce the National Umpire Forum—a focused, two-day development experience designed to support, challenge, and connect umpires from across the country.
The Forum centers on the realities of umpiring at the higher domestic and international levels and on preparing umpires to confidently take the next step in their journey.
Date & Location
Date: Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2, 2026
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Additional event details, including venue and schedule, will be shared with confirmed participants.
Cost
An Early Bird registration rate of $250 is available through April 10.
Beginning April 11, the standard registration fee will be $325.
Registration
Register, opens in a new tabRegistration is open to USA Field Hockey Umpire Members only. Applicants will be notified of their registration status via email.
The National Umpire Forum will be a highly interactive and practical program featuring:
- Q&A sessions with top-level umpires and umpire managers
- Small-group discussions and scenario-based learning
- Video clip analysis and video umpire practice
- Clear takeaways and action points for immediate application
Key topics include Rule Updates and Interpretations, Match Management, Performance Under Pressure, Player Management, Teamwork and Communication, Video Review, Development and Progression Pathways, and more.
Participants are expected to leave more aligned in interpretation, more confident in decision-making, more connected as a national umpiring group, and with clear on expectations and next steps in their development.
Maggie Giddens
FIH Olympic & World Cup Umpire (USA)
Ayanna McClean
FIH Olympic & World Cup Umpire (Trinidad & Tobago)
Gabi Labate
FIH Olympic & World Cup Umpire (Argentina)
Ben Peters
FIH Umpire (USA)
Gus Soteriades
FIH Umpire Manager (USA)
Suzi Sutton
FIH Umpire Manager (USA)
Saleem Aaron
FIH Umpire Manager (USA)
This Forum is directed at umpires currently performing on the USA Field Hockey Regional, National, and International Panels; or aspiring to progress to National and International Panels. Preference will be given to officials already on and demonstrating commitment, performance, and potential within these pathways. Starter and Local Panel umpires (along with those without a current USA Field Hockey rating) are welcome to apply, but are not guaranteed attendance, which will be determined based on available capacity.
Applicants will be notified of their registration status via email.
Additional event details, including venue, booking information, and schedule, will be shared with confirmed participants.