EH Umpire Selection Strategy Committee

The England Hockey Umpiring Selection Strategy Committee (SSC) is appointed by the NPUA Executive Committee each year, and is responsible for setting the strategy for national and international level umpiring in England.

The SSC also manages the progression and performance of English umpires at international level, working closely with the European Hockey Federation (EHF) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) to support umpires at the highest levels.

Lee Barron (Chair, Selection Strategy Committee)

Lee has umpired in the National Programme since 2002 and umpires on the Men’s Premier panels both outdoors and indoors. He is a former member of the FIH Indoor International Elite panel, having also umpired two Indoor World Cup finals.

Lee is also a Level 3 coach, and away from hockey works for Siemens PLC, where he is involved in all things trains. He is also a keen golf caddie.

Dawn Bonner (Chair, OPC Conference Divisions)

Dawn Bonner was appointed B Panel Selector in 2019 after being the Coach and Assessor Co-ordinator for the previous 2 years. Dawn has been an Umpire Coach/Assessor/Umpire Manager for about 10 years nationally and has been on the FIH International Umpire Managers list since 2015.

Dawn is an Indirect Procurement Sourcing Manager for a Commercial Insurance company in the City and has been a Liverpool FC supporter for over 40 years.

Liz Pelling

Liz is chair of the NPUA Elite panels (N1, N2 and HPP) and has chaired EHUOPC for 9 seasons. Liz has been coaching, assessing and mentoring in the NPUA since 2003 and recently retired as an FIH Umpires’ manager outdoor and Indoor.

Liz’s love of hockey has always kept her busy, holding different roles across the sport,. She was made an England Hockey ‘Member of Honour’ when she retired as Vice President for her work on governance and the forming of the new Areas. Recently retired as a Communications Manager in the motor industry, Liz enjoys her new role as Nana to her first granddaughter but confesses she still enjoys all things cars and vans – the thrill of a fast car zooming around a racetrack only second to a good game of hockey!

Sean Edwards

Sean became NPUA Chairman in 2023 having previously served on the Executive Committee, including four years as Deputy Chairman and three years as Secretary. Sean umpires on the men’s premier panel both indoor and outdoor and is also a member of the FIH Pro League Panel.

Professionally, Sean is a Head of Operations in the music industry, and when not on a hockey pitch, can be found bemoaning the luck of his beloved Ipswich Town.

EH Umpire Selection Strategy Committee