FIH – Template Master Radio Usage for Field Hockey Umpires

FIH – Template Master Your Equipment 1.Make contact with your partner and the game administration  Do not show up having to decide on which set to use if multiple sets available.  Do your research if the system is new to you. Google it if necessary.  If the radio system is new to you, give yourself “extra” time before the match to sort it out.  There is no requirement on which set is to be used. Just so “ALL” the umpires involved in the match have one., including reserve umpire. 1.Know the System before Arrival  Know how you are going to secure it. Ear Piece…..On / In your ear Radio….On your body Have supplies, just in case…i.e tape, twist ties, paper clips, bobby pins, et al.

FIH – Template Master Your Equipment 1.Feel comfortable. Be sure all is secured so that you will not fidget with it 2.Have your own belt if necessary. Do not depend on the site or others to have something that will work for you…We all are different! 3.Do not allow wires to flop around. Up the shirt many times works best Allow for head movement in all directions Use as many “clips” as necessary

FIH – Template Master Your Equipment 4. Prevent radio from flopping around. This can be very distracting Tighten belt as much as possible Maybe turn radio inward on belt or kilt 5. Secure ear piece any way necessary If you have to hold ear to hear, it is not secured We are not FBI agents Use Tape if necessary Might not look the best, but it works Be sure volume is set properly from beginning 6. BE SURE TO CKECK BATTERY LEVEL

FIH – Template Master Do not take time away from your pre-game discussion to sort out mechanical radio issues! Very Important

FIH – Template Master Using the Radios THESE ARE NOT TOYS!! Radios are to be used in a professional manner at all times. No Jokes No Gossip No Side Bar Conversations

FIH – Template Master Using the Radios In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM” When can we expect to hear from each other? Ball deep in corner Shot on a PC Overhead falling ball Free hit Off ball issues Major stoppages / Goals When I am the “only” one who missed something

FIH – Template Master Using the Radios In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM” When do you not want to be chirped at? When I am fully engaged Unless I ask While I am speaking to a player When I am carding As I am setting up a PC

FIH – Template Master Use short phrases or words… Time is of the essence…no dissertations Be direct…not wishy-washy Just like any other decision No back and forth with each other Using the Radios In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”

FIH – Template Master Use short phrases or words… “ 5 is good”“from behind” “I got your back”“no more green ” “5 min / 10 min”“can’t see” “no danger”“defense/attack foot” “push from behind”“no foul” “Can you help?” Using the Radios In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”

FIH – Template Master Reserve Umpire on Radio 1.Only speak when necessary 2.Do not get involved in decisions 3.Do not speak to umpires on behalf of a player or coach 4.Use effective wording… “Stop the game as soon as possible” “Goal Keeper Sub” “Time out…Team X” “Illegal Sub” “Illegal Entry” “Goal Scored By?”

FIH – Template Master Reminders… The primary use for the radios is to be in better communication and prevent lengthy meetings to discuss situations that would delay the game….BUT

FIH – Template Master Reminders… If it is better for the “Look of the Game” to stop and chat face to face, do so. Do not have the radios replace this process when necessary!

FIH – Template Master Reminders… Set the volume so that you can hear and speak normally to your partner…do not whisper, do not talk overly loud…clear and crisp! Use your words “effectively”! Non-distracting

FIH – Template Master Reminders… Not for use to “make” calls for your partner or to influence your partners or their decisions. If you get involved in your partners business, then you are not holding down your own responsibilities.

FIH – Template Master

Just in case… Decide how you are going to communicate with your partner as quickly and nonchalant as possible that the radios are not working.

FIH – Template Master Have a great game!