1. North West Hockey Umpiring Association
(NWHUA)
Pre-Season Briefing
2017/2018
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NWHUA

2. MATCH PREPERATION – PRE-MATCH CHAT (PLAN)
COMMUNICATION
Clear Signals: Voice, Whistle Tone, Good Eye Contact
TIME
Both Keep time and agree who will blow and & agree when time is lost
CONSISTENCY
Agree Areas: In and around my D – Signal do not blow wait for me to look at you for support, Free hits, 5 metres, penalising danger, aerial ball - How do we deal with it, advantage and flow
CONTROL
No surprises: agree penalties, misconduct, Use the Captain if required
POSTIONING & SUPPORT
Agree areas of control, positioning at set pieces etc

3. Areas of control Ensure you discuss and agree areas of control
Play coming towards you, going away from you
Far side of your “D”

4. MANAGEMENT Be pro-active. Prevention is better than cure
Set standards early – talk to the players
Make it easy on yourself – ensure the players are 5 metres at free hits from the start.
Recognise early when the ball is not in the right place for free hits – avoid replays
Ensure free hits are taken correctly
Change your game plan and re-set standards if you need to
Communicate with your colleague

5. FLOW & CONTROL
Encourage the game to flow by only intervening when necessary
However do not lose control of the match as a result of allowing too much flow!
Allow the players to contest for the ball
Allow as much advantage as possible
Read the game – do not ball watch
Sometimes a free hit is a better advantage and causes less frustration
Whistle timing is Essential

6. RED CARD REGULATIONS
Section 2.3 Umpiring Section of the FIH rules says
• “it is possible, although umpires are not encouraged to do so, for a player to receive two green or yellow cards for different minor offences during the same match. However, when an offence for which a card has already been awarded is repeated, the same card must not be used again and a more severe penalty must be awarded”
Two offences of the same nature = two yellow cards = red card
Suspended for the rest of the game
No 16 days suspension (or longer)
Permanently suspended players must leave the field and its (FIH Rule 14.5)
Suggest that you show second yellow card followed by red
Use the captain to communicate what is happening
2 yellows do not make a red
It is possible to still give 2 yellow cards for two separate offences e.g. dissent, stick tackle
A red card offence is still a red card offence
No Personal Interpretations

7. AERIAL BALL
Blow only in dangerous situations everywhere on the pitch forget lifted, think danger
Low balls over defenders sticks in a controlled manner that hit half shin pad are not dangerous – Do not penalise good skills
Use common sense and show understanding of the play
Be consistent
Set up free hits correctly, ensure the players are not interfering with the free hit
A players body language / stance will indicate if an aerial is to be played, scan the potential landing point immediately to identify the possible receiver.
Watch the ball on the way up – the ball must not be flicked dangerously towards an opposing player
The ball landing – apart from the receiver, players must stay 5 metres away until the ball is safely controlled by the receiving Player
Penalise poor skill when the receiver makes the ball dangerous
Players may stop, receive and deflect or play the ball in a controlled manner in any part of the field when the ball is at any height, including above their shoulder, provided this is not dangerous in itself or leading to dangerous play. Be aware that the ability of players to intercept the ball with their stick above their shoulder outside of what would previously be considered the 5 metres landing area means that judging of potential danger is now more difficult – use common sense

8. APPEALING & DISSENT
Appealing for free hits – abuse or shouting spoils the game
Stamp it out at the first opportunity
Do not allow comments at every penalty corner you award
Harassment, intimidation and surrounding or ‘crowding’ of umpires after decisions should NOT be tolerated, with the offending players liable to green card personal penalties. Repeat offences may result in yellow card personal penalties
Again use the Captains, who are responsible for the behaviour of their team

9. Personal & Team Penalties
Deliberate offences inside the defending 23 metres area should be appropriately dealt with, including the awarding of personal penalties as necessary, remember personal v team penalty, and use appropriately.
Upgrading Free Hits to PC’s within the 23m area
E.g. playing the ball away after the whistle with high impact on play
DO NOT upgrade (or reverse) for dissent – issue a personal penalty
High impact offences - playing the ball after the whistle, 5m interference, breakdown of play – deliberate use of feet, back stick, body
Dissent – players swearing at you (minimum)
Repeated ‘technical’ yellow card offences above
Physical breakdowns including deliberate sliding tackles that take a player to ground or cynical trips = 10 minute yellow
Dangerous play – reckless use of stick or body = 10 minute yellow

10. FINALLY ENJOY YOUR SEASON
If you have concerns or question’s contact a member of the NWHUA Management Committee.
Details are on the Website:
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