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The Foundation Umpiring Award is an introduction to umpiring hockey for those who wish to umpire club friendly games and mini hockey. It acts as an excellent stepping-stone towards the competitive game. It's educational, and is for anyone wanting to extend their hockey knowledge and be gently introduced to umpiring. Its purpose is to provide inexperienced club players and young people new to umpiring, with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the role and techniques of the umpire and the Rules of Hockey. It will introduce and motivate players, spectators and young players into an area of the game that for many remains unexplored. It is hoped that many of the young umpires will further their umpiring qualification and progress onto or perhaps beyond the national Level One Umpire Register.

It consists of group instruction for which it is recommend that approximately 2 - 2½ hours is allowed. The instruction is to be in accordance with the Course Syllabus. A group question and answer session for which 30 minutes is allocated. A practical assessment, preferably umpiring 11-a-side hockey, although Mini Hockey is acceptable and sometimes more suitable if the candidates are young - under 16 years, for which it is recommended a minimum of 20 minutes for each candidate. The candidate must demonstrate clear and confident whistling and signaling, an understanding of mobility and positioning and competent application of the Rules of Hockey.