1. Self-Coaching Presentation for potential / actual international hockey umpires
When looking to improve performance, the good coach always asks questions of the umpire. This presentation is designed to encourage you to do the same. It is based
on 30 photographs of international hockey played during 2005 and featuring some
of the top players and umpires in the world.
To make best use of it, the viewer is recommended to study the situation, think about where they might be positioned, ask themselves if they see an offence or not, in what form they may or may not want assistance from their colleague, where the incident might happen on the pitch, how they would handle it, judge it, manage it etc.
By using information and evidence such as this or video, we learn more about ourselves and develop our thinking, understanding and ideally performance within the game.
© England Hockey 2005

2. Who says it’s easy to see everything in the circles?
Where do you need to be? Where does your colleague need to be?
Recognising when to re-adjust your position is very important.

3. You have to move off the back-line when the GK goes down and there are many players around. Quickly getting in a position to see everything is essential in this situation.

4. Defending in numbers – who put the ball up?
Calling this decision the wrong way would be very costly.

5. The sliding or blocking tackle from behind…
As long as only the ball is played, is there a problem?

6. Bad tackle or stick obstruction – timing is key and being in the right position to judge it correctly is crucial to the outcome.

7. Tough to see but happening regularly!
Just knowing about it makes it easier to spot when it does happen.

8. Tackled through the legs – stand still, it happens!
And is it an offence – no absolutely not, it’s a skill.

9. Attacking shot on the reverse side.
This is an increasingly evident skill. When is it dangerous?

10. Speed and strength on the ball – under pressure.
Umpires need to use their eyes like a camera – zoom in with the lens.

11. Strength on the ball – from defence into attack.
When play is going down the side-line, adopt a wide angle so as to be able to
judge skills appropriately.

12. Protecting the ball and being strong in possession.
Understanding the intention and being in the right place…

13. Good positioning from the umpire but still running?
Would it have been ‘tidier’ if she’d been there a little earlier?

14. But I didn’t touch her umpire!?
Body language is important here, theirs and yours - be confident.

15. Good goal signal and good head too – watching always!
Never run away too quickly…

16. Good positioning – will the ball cross the line?
Be in the right place to see…always!

17. Strong signal, eyes on the players…confident

18. No question – penalty stroke and everyone knows it!

19. Whoops another ‘dropped’ stick at the crucial moment.
This is breaking down the play and usually it’s intentional.

20. See that toe…perfectly positioned?
Would you be there and if not why not?

21. Am I five metres umpire – always answer him and do it quickly!
Help the players – don’t hinder them.

22. Sudden inexplicable lack of balance?
Would you recognise it and would you have the courage to deal with it?

23. Signalling advantage going away from you
Signalling advantage going away from you. Working together as a TEAM of 2 umpires is better than simply being 2 umpires.

24. Opponent using stick to block out the space
Opponent using stick to block out the space. No offence but what would cause it to become one and would you recognise it?

25. Focusing and aiming only for the ball – a great tackle, not one to be penalised. Where do you need to be to judge it correctly?

26. The drag flick –increasingly used at PC’s.
Do you know the Rule regarding the height?

27. And again…the drag flick…below the knee another PC and above it…
And what about the approaching defender – did they run out to the ball or to the player?

28. A world class tackle from behind.
The contact is only with the ball…fantastic skill.

29. Imagine being on the receiving end of this!

30. That’s enough…anyone for a game of pool?

31. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All photography is from the FIH photo gallery Thank you to the photographers Pam Hancock, Pat Golding and Philippe Demaret
This presentation is produced by
Jane Nockolds on behalf of England Hockey