Umpires Corner

The club has an umpiring policy it expects all playing members and teams to follow:

1. It is expected that everybody, all players and umpires, has read the FiH Hockey Rules (see Rules & Resources section). There is a FiH App that can be downloaded on iOS/Android that give quick access to relevant information and rules.
2. The policy will be that teams will provide umpires for the following games and the expectation is that players will umpire on a rotational basis.
3. All Harpenden Hockey Club players must be respectful and socially inclusive of umpires with any constructive dialogue and feedback to be provided after games (applies to all matches).
4. The club have invested in two radios (planning on purchasing two more). We will continue to use radios which make it easier for newer umpires to team up with other umpire, we will promote team umpiring as much as possible.
5. Benefit for umpiring - match fee is waived for any player who plays and umpires on the same day.
6. Finally, Nigel Morris our Umpire Liaison Officer welcome people to contact him to discuss how to get over the initial nerves and fear people might have with umpiring...providing a mentoring model or having an experience umpire to help you with your initial games.

Here are the rules themselves (PDF download and/or via the FiH app)

England Hockey have some superb resources to help umpires learn and develop, they are located within their Hockey Hub. Take the free online rules test from England Hockey 

A user guide "How to Umpire Hockey" produced by Hockey WA, that covers the fundamentals, positioning, communication and signals.

Some of us like the challenge - we relish the opportunity to tell people what to do, to show off our knowledge of the rules of hockey, and to contribute to the club. Some of us find it intimidating. We're all here to have fun, here to help with our top ten tips to win at umpiring.

1 - Blow your whistle firmly and loudly

1. Seriously, it should be a lot louder than you'd think. A loud whistle indicates a confident umpire. It lets the player know you know what you're doing (even if you don't) 

2 - Much like playing, it’s all about positioning. Some tips…  

1. Keep to the right of the ball 
2. Don’t go further upfield than the other 23 
3. Get into your D well ahead of the ball arriving there if possible (so you can see play develop from vantage point ahead of it) 
4. Get all the way across to left post if needed when action is in your D 

3 - Blow what you see. If you’re not sure, look to your colleague. If the players challenge it, smile and explain that you can only call what you see. 

1. Here are some helpful turns of phrase (always starting with a smile):
2. "I understand... but what I saw was [the offense]
3. “Sorry, I saw [the offense]”
4. “I hear you, but I'm sorry, if I didn’t see it I can’t call it”

4 - Work with your fellow umpire. Stop time and confer with the other umpire 

1. If you’re unsure about a call, look to your colleague who should indicate what they have seen. If neither of you are sure or it is contentious, stop the time and confer. 
2. When you are agreed, explain to the players what the decision was and restart time.

5 - If you think it’s dangerous - it’s dangerous 

1. There is no definition in the rules of what is “dangerous” beyond “a ball that causes legitimate evasive action by players”. Due to the word legitimate, umpires have to judge the danger based on the skill levels of the defenders and the shot’s speed, trajectory and distances involved.
2. Can a shot at goal be dangerous? Yes. 

6 - Use the captains to give warnings to the teams 

1. If there is any recurring or unsafe behaviours stop the game, call the captains in, and tell them to warn their team to change their behaviour. 
2. If it continues, don’t be afraid to use your cards. 

7 - Don’t be afraid to give a card, but don't throw them about

1. Green = 2 minutes - green cards are used more commonly these days to help players enjoy the game. They're not seen as punishment as much as controlling the game. If one green card eliminates shouting for rest of game (which it will) the general niggle level will be lower.
2. Yellow = minimum of 5 minutes - yellow cards are more serious and should be used when there is intentional dangerous play. 
3. Red = until the end of the match - red cards are, of course, the most serious and come with a minimum 2 week ban and a lot of paper work. We should use them considerately but it is worth noting as a club we have instructed all our umpires that they should award an immediate red card to anyone who swears at them, calls them a cheat or is physically or verbally aggressive to them.
4. A personal penalty may be awarded in addition to the appropriate penalty

8 - Communicate loudly and clearly. 

1. If you’re giving an advantage SHOUT “advantage, play on”
2. If you ask players to go 5 and they don’t, ask again and use your whistle.  

9 - Don’t take bad chat. From players, coaches or spectators. 

1. The rules are clear, it’s completely unacceptable for any player, sub or coach to abuse, seek to intimidate, make snarky comments or otherwise disrespect or dissent with an umpire. 
2. Do not wait to address low-level/ annoying comments being passed your way or vociferously appealing etc. Warn the players the first time or two (“Guys, no more please”) then enlist colleague’s help as above. Stamping on it early in the game is far better than trying to rein it in later.

10 - Have fun! 

Harpenden Hockey Club welcome new players of any age who want to pick up the sport. Below are a series of videos to help new players understand the rules (videos from FiH) a handy guide to everything field hockey!