South African Hockey is proud to announce a new partnership with OUTsurance, which will see the company sponsoring the official umpire kits for hockey in South Africa. These kits will be worn by umpires officiating matches for players aged 12 and older at school and club level, all the way up to national competitions.
As the governing body for hockey in South Africa, SA Hockey is committed to the development and growth of the sport at all levels. This includes ensuring that coaching, umpiring, and competitive play meet the highest standards, from grassroots participation to international representation. This partnership with OUTsurance directly supports that vision by enhancing the resources available to our officials.
“We are incredibly grateful for OUTsurance’s support in helping us strengthen the infrastructure of our game,” said Deon Morgan, President of SA Hockey. “By investing in umpiring, we are not only improving the standard of officiating but also elevating the experience for players, officials, and fans alike. This collaboration is an important step towards growing the sport both locally and internationally.”
Danie Matthee, Chief Executive Officer at OUTsurance, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of the partnership. “Supporting South African Hockey allows funds to be reinvested into developing umpiring and refereeing standards, which ultimately raises the quality of the game,” he said.
Jaco Beukes of SAIL Sport and Events Marketing, who brokered the agreement, emphasized that this investment also creates opportunities for initiatives like modified hockey in schools, helping to foster talent from a young age.
The partnership with SA Hockey aligns with OUTsurance’s existing commitments in sport, including its longstanding sponsorship of SA Rugby referees at school, club, and professional levels since 2015, as well as its support for SA Schools Netball umpire kits since 2023.
With this collaboration, SA Hockey and OUTsurance are working together to ensure that hockey officials across the country are equipped with the tools they need to contribute to the growth and professionalism of the sport.