Aspiring young umpires have the opportunity to participate in a Level 1 Umpiring Course at Hurstpierpoint College next month run under the auspices of England Hockey and the Sussex Hockey Umpires Association (SHUA) and applications for places are now open.

The all-day course is open to those aged 14 to 18 and takes place on Tuesday February 19. The deadline for applications is Friday February 8 or until the course is full. Places are on a first come, first served basis and only secure when booked and paid for online. The cost is £50 per person and the minimum number of participants is 14.

Clicking on the priority link below should get you to the application form. This must be completed in the name of the applicant (not parent or guardian) direct to England Hockey . It will also be on the England Hockey website where you can also sign up.

All candidates need to take the online rules test and show that to Alan Grey, the SHUA course organiser, when they register on the day. Under 18s need also to show a parental consent form.

Alan will confirm arrangements with the applicants after the closing date of February 8 but the course includes theory and practical sessions so please bring appropriate hockey gear, lunch and warm clothing.

The course can be booked via this priority link https://myaccount.englandhockey.co.uk/careportal/Default.aspx?pn=100063&EN=1492&OP=14920001&RA=R1

Please be advised bookings must be made in the name of the participant - bookings cannot be made on behalf of someone else. Guidance for those having trouble with the booking process is available at the link above and any queries sent to umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk

Full details of the course are:

Date: Tuesday February 19
Time: 9.30am-5.15pm
Venue: Hurstpierpoint College, Chalker’s Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9JS
Course format: Option 1
Organiser: Alan Grey 01273 550512
Tutor: John Murphy
Cost: £50 per person