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Aims
Umpiring hockey is an enjoyable way to participate in the game, but umpires also:
help to raise the standard of the game at all levels by ensuring that
players observe the Rules
assist in the enjoyment of the game by players, spectators and others
ensure that every game is played in the right spirit
To achieve these aims, umpires should
obtain and retain complete control of the game
never allow a benefit to be gained by a breach of the Rules
protect the skills and persons of players
use the whistle as sparingly as possible
co-operate at all times with colleague umpires to ensure consistency of
interpretation, application and effectiveness of the Rules
Principles
Umpires are advised to follow these principles:
develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Rules and the
Rules Interpretations: they should therefore be studies frequently and discussed with
other umpires, players, coaches and officials
keep a calm and impersonal attitude to the game
concentrate at all times so that nothing outside the game distracts
attention; the mind should be alert throughout the game
anticipate the run and flow of the game; by this means a good umpire
looks beyond the action of the moment and is aware of potential developments in the game
understand that it is not necessary to penalize every offense, for
example, when no benefit is gained by the offender; unnecessary interruptions to the flow
of the game cause undue delay and irritation
apply the advantage Rule carefully in order to give maximum benefit to
the player or team which has been offended against
allow sufficient time to consider if advantage can be applied but,
having decided that it did apply, not to give a second opportunity by reverting to what
would have been the originally penalty
issue, in appropriate circumstances, a caution, warning, or a temporary
or permanent suspension separately, or in combination, with a penalty
identify the relative seriousness of an offense and deal early and
firmly with serious offenses such as dangerous or rough play
not be over-lenient
penalize intentional offenses firmly by, for example, awarding penalty
corners for such action by defenders in their own 23 meters area or penalty strokes if
defenders commit intentional offences in their circle to prevent goals from being scored
make decisions decisively, clearly, consistently
umpire in the spirit of the Rules, in the interest of and showing
understanding for, the players and the game itself
Umpires should demonstrate that if players co-operate by playing fairly,
the game will be interrupted only when essential for its proper conduct. Rough and
dangerous play should be dealt with early and firmly; if a game gets out of control, it
will be difficult to pull together again later. Players respect umpires who show they have
a good understanding of the game and who enforce the Rules fairly.
Clothing
Umpires should wear appropriate clothing
to allow free movement
which is clean, smart, and similar in color to each other but different
from those of both teams
with pockets for equipment
to protect against bad weather when necessary
which can include an eyeshade or peaked cap
Footwear should:
suit field conditions
assist mobility
Equipment
Umpiring equipment includes:
a current book of Rules
a loud and distinctive whistle
a reserve whistle
a stop watch
a card and pencils to record the starting times of each half, the number
or name and time of warnings to or suspensions of any players, and the goals scored
a green, a yellow and a red card
Techniques
For general play
umpires should be in suitable positions to see clearly all offenses and
face the players all the time
umpires operate primarily in half of the pitch with the centre line to
their left and the defending goal to their right
in general, the most suitable position for umpires is ahead of and on
the right wing of attack
for play between the centre-line or in their colleague's half of the
pitch, on their colleague's side of the pitch, umpires should be near their own side-board
when the ball and play are within or near the circle, umpires should
move inwards in the pitch and, when necessary, into the circle itself
proximity to or being in the circle will help umpires to see that shots
at goal are legitimate and to see important breaches by defenders or attackers
umpires should be mobile to ensure an appropriate position for each part
of the game and to be able instantly to judge the relative positions of players, it is
impossible for static umpires always to give correct decisions.
umpires should not allow their positioning to interfere with the flow of
play
For corners and penalty corners
For penalty strokes
Whistling
The whistle is an umpire's primary means of communication with players, a colleague umpire
and others involved in the game:
the whistle should always be blown decisively and loudly enough for all
involved in the game to be able to hear. This does not mean long loud whistles at all
times. Players should be able to "hear" the seriousness of the offense.
It should not normally be blown for the taking of free hits, balls over
the back-line, hits-in, corners, penalty corners or bullies
in rare cases it may be advisable to reverse a decision if it is obvious
that a mistake has been made; the whistle must be blown and action taken at once. Players
must then be allowed to get into a proper position
Signaling
Umpires should note the signals as described in Appendix
C of the Rules:
remember when signals are required
for signals in which the arm is horizontal, the arm
should be straight with the open palm of the hand at eye level
signals should be held long enough to ensure that all
players and the other umpire are aware of decisions
umpires should not look away from the players when a
signal or decision is made; this can otherwise result in further offenses not being seen
or in a loss of concentration, or can indicate a lack of self-confidence
umpires should not signal across their bodies
umpires should preferably be stationary when giving a
signal
Co-operation
Effective co-operation between two umpires is an essential characteric of indoor umpiring:
indoor hockey is a fast game with a small number of
players in a confined area; fouls which might not be seen by one umpire can be spotted by
the other by thoughtful co-operation and good positioning
co-operation at penalty corners is particularly
important; the role of both umpires during the taking of a penalty corner should be
discussed and agreed before the match.
Preparation
Umpires should prepare themselves thoroughly for each game:
they should arrive at the pitch in good time and prepare
themselves for the game
before the game commences, umpires must check the pitch
markings, especially the circle-lines and goal-lines and the goals and their nets for any
dangerous playing or pitch equipment and ensure that necessary remedial action is taken
Achieving High Standards
These notes are not intended to be comprehensive, but offer general guidance on achieving
high standards of umpiring.
Good umpires
practice regularly
are mentally alert and decisive at all times
develop a good and consistent sense of judgement
are not discouraged by an occasional genuine mistake
dismiss any mistakes from their mind and concentrate
still more
recognize that there is no such person as a perfect
umpire
continually strive to improve their standards
always umpire fairly, with a sense of justice and
always with integrity
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