1. Radio Usage for Field Hockey Umpires

2. Your Equipment
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.
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.

3. Your Equipment Feel comfortable.
Be sure all is secured so that you will not fidget with it
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!
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

4. 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

5. Very Important
Do not take time away from your pre-game discussion to sort out mechanical radio issues!

6. 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

7. In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
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

8. In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
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

9. In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
Using the Radios
In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
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

10. In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
Using the Radios
In Your Pre-Game Discussion working as a “TEAM”
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?”

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

12. lengthy meetings to discuss situations that would delay the game….BUT
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

13. Do not have the radios replace this process when necessary!
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!

14. Use your words “effectively”! Non-distracting
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

15. 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.

17. 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.

18. Have a great game!