Hockey Umpiring Inset 2009 Paul North Dafydd Jones

By the end of this session we hope you….. Will have more confidence in your ability as an umpire Will have a greater understanding of 2009’s rules Changes Can help improve the standard of play by consistent application of the rules Will have a greater appreciation of hockey

Preparation Be thorough in your match preparation Understand the layout of the Pitch Read the Rules! Communicate your expectations for the match with both teams.

The Match Be yourself at all times Help the players Teamwork Communication Take time in making decisions Consistency Use common sense – understand the players’ intentions

Management Be pro-active Set standards early TALK to the players Get players 5 metres at free hits from the beginning Ensure free hits are taken correctly Whistle?

Flow Allow as much advantage as possible (2009) Sometimes a free hit is a better advantage (2009) Only interfere when necessary Allow the players to contest the ball Read the game –do not ball watch

Tackling Watch tackles carefully – offence? Do not penalise just because there is a noise or it looks bad Watch which direction the ball travels Be strict on the breaking down of play Be aware of intentional shielding and body blocking

Obstruction Are the players trying to play the ball? Is there a possibility to play the ball? Is there active movement to prevent the playing of the ball? Be aware of professional use of the body to illegally block opponents from the ball Stick obstruction is a ‘hot issue’ for players. Judge it fairly and correctly and blow only if you are 100% sure

Ball off the Ground Blow only in dangerous situations (everywhere on the pitch) - forget lifted - think danger Low balls over defenders sticks that hit shin pads are not dangerous Entering ‘D’

Ariel Pass Much more likely Set up free hits correctly, make sure the players are 5 Metres from the ball Watch the ball on the way up – It must not be dangerous The ball landing – apart from the receiver, players must stay 5 metres away Defenders may stop or deflect a shot at goal with the stick above the shoulder –

2009 Rules! Read and understand the new rules! A forehand hard hit using the edge of the stick is not allowed No change to the interpretation of the rule concerning the ball hitting the foot, hand or body of a field player – See 9:11 When is a shot a shot?

Free Hits For free hits including centre passes, corners and all sideline restarts All opponents must be 5 Metres from the ball For free hits awarded to the attack within the attacking 23 metre area – all players must be at least 5 metres from the ball –In all situations think about hit taken quickly Attacking free hits awarded within 5 metres of the circle are taken back to the nearest point 5 metres from the circle

Free Hits – The ‘Self-Pass’ 2 distinct and separate actions 1 metre (or not) Location of a ‘self-pass’ is important (playable distance) Stationary ball? 5 metres? Breakdown

Free Hits in 23 The attacking team cannot play the ball directly into the circle ‘Self-pass’ - the ball must travel at least 5 metres before the taker can play the ball into the circle Alternatively the ball must be touched, deflected, hit or pushed by any other player before the ball is played into the circle Intentionally moving the location of an attacking free hit outside the 23 must be penalised – free hit to opponents

Free Hits - Penalties If from a free hit the attacking team play the ball from inside the 23 directly into the circle –Do not penalise unless and until the ball actually enters the circle –A free hit is awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the original free hit

Goalkeepers Goalkeepers wearing protective headgear may only take part within their own 23 metre area Allow goalkeepers to move the ball away with their hand / hand protector / arm /body, as part of a goal saving action Be aware that goalkeepers who intentionally propel the ball in the air overlong distances should be penalised with a penalty corner

Manufactured Offences Be aware of the ball carrier manufacturing free hits. This upsets opponents – think through where the ball carrier is likely to do this

Penalty Corners Offence which doesn’t prevent probable scoring of a goal Intentional offence on opponent who doesn’t have the ball Intentional offence in 23 metre area Intentionally playing ball over back line Ball lodged in players clothing

Penalty Corners Positioning is critical Manage set up Breaking ? Apply the drag flick interpretations Cooperation When the ball is missing the goal and the defender is hit high on the body, decision is a free hit to the defence A goal can only be scored if the ball has travelled outside the circle If a player defending a penalty corner continues to wear a face mask after the corner has been completed a free hit should be awarded.

Penalty Strokes Offence which prevents probable scoring of a goal Intentional offence in circle on opponent who has ball or opportunity to play it Persistent breaking of the line at penalty corner

Penalty Strokes No personal interpretations Stick to the Rules and guidance Sell decisions Ensure that goalkeeper and taker are in position and prepared Taker to be within playing distance of the ball – communicate this early

Appealing Appealing for free hits, abuse or shouting spoils the game Do not allow comments at every penalty corner - be prepared to reverse decisions or upgrade Harassment, intimidation and surrounding of umpires after decisions should not be tolerated Make it easy on yourself –use your skills and the tools at your disposal to stamp these problems out early in the game We all need to do this every match!

The Key to Success GOOD COMMUNICATION With the players With your colleague