In addition to thousands of athletes, the Festival attracts many of the nation's top umpires to officiate approximately 700 games over the weekend.

In addition to their love of the game, umpires return to the Festival to provide service back to the sport, rate other officials or complete their own applications for a higher rating.

	Apprentice: Controlling the game and knowledge of the basic rules are the first steps in an umpire’s rating progression. Apprentice umpires must score at least 70% on a locally-sponsored written test and be approved by two rated umpires. Apprentices work lower level games and are reevaluated every year.
	Level I Local umpires must score at least 80% on USA Field Hockey written examinations and be approved by two rated umpires. Local Rated umpires work jr high and high school games. High School rated umpires meet the requirements of their respective state federations.
	Level II: Sectional umpires must score at least 85% on the USA Field Hockey written test and must be approved by four evaluators at a sectional tournament, club tournament or approved camp or clinic.
	Level III: Candidates for a national rating submit an application and resume to the ratings chair indicating their last two years of umpiring experience, developmental participation and service to the umpiring organization. Candidates must score at least 90% on the USA Field Hockey written test and must be evaluated at accredited tournaments such as the National Hockey Festival. The Executive Committee of the USA Field Hockey’s Umpiring Division makes the final decision on granting or renewing National Ratings. National rated umpires work major NCAA Division I contests and are expected to provide service to the organization.
	FIH: FIH umpires are eligible to officiate international matches and top officials may be selected for major international events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games. Umpires must be active on top level matches and own complete knowledge of international rules. FIH umpires must be at least 20 years old and have worked at least three matches involving international teams.