HHUA – ENGAGING WITH THE CLUBS/PLAYERS/COACHES AND CLUB UMPIRES
How HHUA can help the clubs
Recruitment
New members are the lifeblood of HHUA and essential to allow HHUA to appoint to the vast
array of games that it does. HHUA recognises that there are many members of clubs who
pick up the whistle (sometimes reluctantly) and umpire within their club. There are many
more who are daunted by the idea. HHUA believes that with some encouragement and
some training more players/parents may be encouraged to take up the whistle.
HHUA are looking at creating partnerships with clubs through the EH Club Umpire
Developers Programme to help enthuse potential umpires to give it a go. This can be
through sending HHUA umpires and umpire coaches to clubs to stimulate interest and
provide practical help.
Umpire Development
HHUA can provide experienced umpires and umpire coaches for clubs to help develop
umpiring skills which build confidence. This will help the clubs have larger pools of umpires
to umpire club games where HHUA does not have the resources to appoint.
Certain leagues where HHUA does not have the resources to appoint umpires have a
requirement that their fixtures are umpired by EH Level 1 umpires and so many clubs do
encourage their umpires to undertake a Level 1 course. These are run regularly by EH and
are publicised by HHUA on our website.
In time some club umpires who have built confidence and skills may be suitably encouraged
to try taking appointments through the HHUA . Neutral appointments provide an opportunity
to see different clubs with varying tactics and hence benefit from new experiences.
HHUA has a well tried appointing system which facilitates the introduction of new members
supported by experience umpiring colleagues “on the other side of the pitch” often aided by
the use of radio sets. New umpires also get support from an experienced coach/mentor and
once they are ready have an assessment game to ascertain their “panel” grade so they can
be appointed to games that match their ability.
HHUA has a great record of developing umpires who if they wish can go further in their
umpiring careers. HHUA has many umpires who have gone on to umpire at higher levels.
The next step up is Southern Counties (SCHUA) and then National League (NPUA) and
then for the very talented international hockey.
We also recognise that many potential umpires still have a desire to support their clubs and
HHUA respects that. We have many umpires who combine umpiring or playing for their clubs
with taking HHUA appointments. This can be done because of the varied start times of
matches on Saturdays and opportunities to umpire on Sunday’s or in midweek.
Ultimately the clubs and HHUA all need umpires so we need to work together on umpire
development. HHUA has the experience and knowledge within its ranks to continue to help
any umpire reach a competent level or if they wish to realise their full potential.
Assistance to EH Club Umpire Developers
Dave Peebles is responsible within HHUA for supporting the EH Club Umpire Developer
Programme. He is there to help clubs source and support their own Umpire Developer.
He has a slideshow presentation which Club Umpire Developers can use to present to their
club members. Alternatively Dave Peebles or another of our team in HHUA will come along
and present to your club or just be there to provide support advice and encouragement.
Our aim ultimately is to try and introduce direct access to experienced umpires and umpire
coaches for clubs.
Technical updates on the rules and interpretation
We all know how many changes there have been to the rules over the years. Latterly the
rule changes have made massive improvements to the continuity and speed of the game.
With the changes come much debate about interpretation and particularly how differently the
international game is umpired compared with the game at lower levels.
As always, the key elements are the safety of the players and the relative capabilities of the
players playing in the game the umpires have to control.
There are however a set of consistent principles which do not change. HHUA has access to
the latest technical updates which are posted on the HHUA website. Clubs are encouraged
to seek them out and pass on internally to their members. HHUA through its feedback
system will gladly review any enquires regarding the rules or their interpretation.
HHUA also passes on this knowledge to its members through regular briefings and through
individual coaching to seek to interpret and apply the rules consistently.
The role of the ULO (Umpire Liaison Officer)
Each team which receives HHUA umpire appointments needs to have a nominated person
to act as ULO; some very smart ULOs are able to act as the ULO for multiple teams in the
same club or university club.
The key task of the ULO is to liaise with the two HHUA Appointments Secretaries (David
Boyle for Saturdays and Midweek, Kevan Tate for Sundays); this involves ensuring that
HHUA is notified of the start time and venue of the team’s every home match and this must
be completed by the 15th of the month prior to the match in question. This notification can be
done by entering the details on the Hampshire Hockey website or by informing the relevant
Appointments Secretary by e-mail.
The other key task for the ULO is to establish direct contact with every umpire appointed to
that team’s home matches. This contact (usually by e-mail) needs to be made by the close
of play on the Sunday preceding a weekend fixture or by the close of play on the Friday
preceding a midweek match. E-mails or text messages which have sent to umpires but have
not been confirmed as received are virtually worthless in such a process. If an umpire coach
or assessor has been appointed to a fixture it is helpful if you could include them in the email
or text circulation.
The ULO will also receive an email from HHUA if the umpire appointments have to change
for any reason. The ULO will have to contact the new umpire(s) appointed to the fixture as
soon as possible. Using emails may be suitable but if the change is at very close to the date
of the fixture speaking directly to the umpire may be required..
The ULO may also need to act swiftly and decisively when matches are unavoidably
postponed (for example. snow, frosted or flooded pitch) to avoid umpires making
unnecessary journeys to non-events; this needs good internal communications within a club,
especially if the ULO is not a member of the team in question.
The ULO should also be well versed with the current “HHUA Appointing Policy” document
(which is posted on the Hampshire Hockey website) and in particular, be aware of the
restrictions in place with regard to floodlit matches with HHUA umpires and the
arrangements for obtaining “HHUA Lighting Approval” for the team’s home pitch or pitches..
The ULO is also expected to ensure that the home team knows that it is responsible for
providing adequate changing and showering facilities, as well as hospitality (including the
offer of food and drink) for the appointed umpires.
Finally the ULO must tell the relevant Appointments Secretary when he / she is away or
unable to carry out ULO duties and nominate, with contact details, a stand-in ULO.
Engagement between umpires players and coaches
Pre match preparation
Teams should expect their appointed umpires to arrive in good time and prepare well. There
are some occasions where an umpire has a “double header” and will arrive closer to the
start time than is usually expected. We will only be able to avoid this by having more HHUA
umpires in our pool.
HHUA considers that the rapport between the clubs and the players starts in the pre match
period and making an umpire feel welcome and comfortable is part of that. Clubs will do it
differently depending on resources. Some will be able to offer pre match refreshments, but if
that is not possible just a quick hello and confirming arrangements will suffice.
Well prepared umpires will check the pitch and surroundings and have checked that their
radios are working if they are using them. They will tell you if they are using them.
HHUA umpires are encouraged to have a good pre match chat to seek to provide a
consistency of approach. We do not encourage umpires to engage in detailed dialogue with
the captains at the toss and to deal only with the basic formalities. We do ask them to
remind captains of their responsibilities.
Umpires rapport with players and coaches
HHUA umpires are expected to seek to build a rapport with the players and coaches as part
of their skill set. It is a game of opinion and interpretation and not all decisions that are made
in a game will have the universal agreement of both teams and the coaches. Also from time
to time, mistakes will be made.
Umpires are encouraged to explain contentious decisions and to admit to genuine mistakes.
If a mistake is spotted and it can be corrected at the time, the umpire will do that. If not,
everyone has to move on.
If a decision is really a question of interpretation or opinion, then that will not be resolved on
the pitch at the time. Once an umpire has made and explained that decision, as far as HHUA
is concerned, that is the end of it. Further debate on the pitch should then be considered by
the umpire as dissent. We would encourage players and coaches to store their views on the
subject for discussion in the clubhouse over a beer. HHUA umpires are encouraged to be
open to such debate, provided it is conducted in a constructive manner.
Building better understanding and “getting the message”
Players and coaches change in clubs and umpires come and go. Therefore umpires and
clubs may not come across each other that often.
The rules are constantly changing. With that, coaching techniques and tactics change
accordingly. Our aim in HHUA through events such as this and other initiatives is to try and
build a better understanding with the clubs. It is a two way street and clubs have a part to
play.
If we work together and create an environment where we can encourage coaches and
players to develop a better understanding of how umpiring “works” we will have a better
game for all. Like players and coaches, umpires do not make mistakes on purpose, but
sometimes they will get it wrong. Sometimes they will get it spot on and the players will be
wrong because they either do not understand the rules or how the umpire is interpreting
them. To make the game better, we have to talk about those moments honestly and openly
in the right forum.
This year a couple of games where HHUA have provided appointed umpires have not gone
as well as anticipated and resulted in a significant number of personal penalties through
cards and disappointingly, a couple of MMOs. These resulted in some “negative” feedback
from the clubs. The major complaint was that the umpires were too liberal with the cards.
HHUA was obviously concerned at the feedback and the outcome of both games was
reviewed internally. The outcome was a very positive discussion with the clubs concerned.
The clubs all accepted that on the day, although they still had reservations about some of
the decisions and the cards, they had not helped themselves. Umpires naturally have
different styles, although we aim for consistency of approach. The umpires were using all the
tools available to them, verbal communication; whistle tone and cards. The big problem was
that “messages” being sent by the umpires were not spotted or, if they were, not acted upon
by the players or the coaches.
As part of HHUA’s recognition that it is a “two way street” not all the “blame” was placed
upon the clubs and some useful coaching points emerged which have been discussed with
the umpires.
Player/bench behaviour and the role of the captain
The role of a captain is often a difficult one. Some are born to it and others are reluctant
captains. A good captain is worth his weight in gold to a team in terms of leading the team.
A good captain can also help the umpires by calming players and relaying messages sent by
the umpires. HHUA welcomes the opportunity to use the skills of a good captain as part of
their game management skills and usually get a positive response.
There are however some captains who seem blissfully unaware of their responsibilities and
sanctions which face them, if they do not control their team or their bench.
Similarly there are calm coaches and others less so. There is one absolute certainty; that no
umpire ever improved his performance by constant negative comment from the bench or the
players. Beyond that, in our experience, teams that lose control of their emotions through
umpire reaction rarely improve their performance.
HHUA is constantly working on initiatives to improve umpire performance but accepts that,
from time to time, individual errors occur or umpires lose form (it happens) or they are
inexperienced and still learning. We would like to work with clubs to develop a better
reaction when this happens and to provide subsequent feedback to achieve a more positive
outcome.
Post match reaction and discussions
As we have indicated, there have unfortunately been a couple of MMOs towards the end of
last season. These can easily be avoided. Irrespective of the outcome of a game and how
players/coaches feel about the performance of the umpires, there is no excuse for not
shaking hands with the umpires.
The MMOs resulted from inappropriate comment on the umpiring immediately after the
match and within the confines of the pitch and its surroundings. This should be avoided at all
cost.
The only appropriate forum for post match discussion is after sufficient time has elapsed for
reflection by all concerned, including the umpires. This will usually be after players have
showered and changed. HHUA umpires are encouraged to contribute to an open and honest
debate on their performance and questions on interpretation/application of the rules and
player sanctions. The environment needs to be constructive to avoid defensive shields being
raised.
Feedback on umpiring of matches
The role of HHUA umpires coaches, assessors and selectors
Often clubs will see an HHUA coach or assessor appointed to a match involving their club.
Umpire coaching is managed by the HHUA chief coach, Phil Griffiths. Phil and his team of
experienced coaches are in place to provide support and advice to all our umpires. They will
engage with the umpires and discuss aspects of the umpire’s game to help them develop.
An umpire coach will watch the game and then have an informal discussion with the umpires
afterwards, focused on the overall performance.
Certain umpire coaches may, if appropriate, ask coaches or senior players involved in the
game for feedback before the briefing.
The umpires are encouraged to participate fully in the discussions. The coach will then sum
up the performance, giving the umpire indications on particular strengths in their
performance and some areas of their game where there is room for future development.
A report will be prepared which summarises the discussions and that report is then shared
with the umpire and with the other umpire coaches. Most umpires will receive regular
coaching and, if particular trends emerge, this helps the coaches to focus their attention on
certain aspects of performance.
Assessors have a different role to coaches. The level of attainment of all HHUA umpires
taking appointments is measured through a panel system. Umpires are appointed to certain
levels of matches in accordance with their panel. HHUA umpires are regularly assessed as
part of their development to establish if their current panel is appropriate.
An assessor will attend a match and watch the game. Afterwards the assessor will once
again engage with the umpire(s) regarding their performance. There will be a discussion but
the focus during an assessment is different to a coaching session. The assessor will be
reviewing the umpire’s performance and “marking” him/her on defined aspects of their
performance in the context of their current panel.
The assessor submits a report, which is shared with the umpire and made available for
review by the selectors.
The selectors review and discuss the level of attainment of HHUA umpires and promote or
relegate umpires through the panel system as appropriate.
Why HHUA wants regular feedback from clubs
HHUA does not have the resources to have a coach or assessor at every game and it is not
necessary. HHUA does however welcome reports from clubs on how our umpires are doing.
Being honest, the number of clubs using the feedback system at all is very low.
Occasionally we do get very positive comments from clubs or individuals saying how well the
umpires had done, but it is rare. Imagine the boost to an umpire’s confidence to get that
feedback and how it may help their future development.
As you might expect, the feedback we do get is usually negative and if something has in the
view of the club gone seriously wrong. HHUA wants to know about issues and, as we have
indicated earlier, will act upon these reports.
What we would like to get is more regular feedback, positive or negative, so we build a
bigger picture of how our umpires are performing. This helps to give us more information to
be able to focus our coaching to assist umpire development.
We very much encourage clubs and umpires to discuss the game in a constructive way in
the post match chats in the bar, but additional feedback is always welcome.
Finally on this subject, for the system to work, the feedback requires a level of objectivity
(not result specific) and ideally should be after a period of measured reflection to be of real
benefit. Hopefully those submitting the feedback will also consider the whole performance
and not be focused on individual decisions. Although it is important to get individual
decisions correct as often as possible, we often see reviews of overall performance skewed
by the focus on moments in games.
What HHUA does with the feedback
The feedback is not directly attributed to the club, if that is what the club prefers and is not
currently shared with the umpires concerned. In the past this was seen as the best way to
encourage feedback. At the moment the feedback is shared with Phil Griffiths as the Chief
Coach and David Boyle, as Chairman of Selectors. Where specific points are raised, the
coaching team may look at these points as part of an umpire’s future development plan.
Hopefully through this engagement, clubs may in future be happy for HHUA to share the
feedback directly with the umpires concerned.
What happens if an umpire is not happy with the conduct of a team or club.
As we have said, engagement is a two way street. Most of the time HHUA umpires are
treated with great respect by the clubs from the point of first contact through the ULO on the
pitch and then are afforded excellent hospitality.
Obviously this is not always the case and on the (relatively rare) occasions when it does
break down, HHUA will seek to work with the club concerned to seek improvement.
If that does not work or there are persistent problems with a specific club, HHUA will ask
Hampshire Hockey Association to intervene and impose sanctions, if necessary.
Use of radios by HHUA
When and why they are used
Use of technology in decision making is a key part of modern sport and hockey has
embraced the use of the available technology.
All HHUA umpires taking regular appointments are issued with a radio supplied and paid for
by HHUA. All umpires are required to maintain them and use them when appointed to
matches by HHUA.
Most clubs will have experienced our umpires using radios, as this started last season. Like
any new process it takes a little while for the umpires and the clubs to become familiar with
the use of radios. We have had internal feedback sessions, but would obviously be delighted
to receive comments from clubs.
How the use of radios can help the game
The radios do not make decisions for umpires, but they do help in many ways.
Umpires are able to quickly discuss and either confirm or review decisions made by
colleagues.
Umpires are able to help colleagues who are unsighted, particularly on the far side of a
crowded circle, so offences are not missed and can be blown appropriately without delay.
Radios allow umpires to communicate and discuss the flow and “temperature” of the game
and react accordingly.
Offending players can be tracked (getting the shirt number) by a colleague for potential
personal penalty, whilst allowing the engaged umpire to concentrate on possible advantage
situations.
Relaying information regarding off the ball incidents.
An umpire gets to hear how an umpire is managing the game in his immediately locality and
can apply similar management for consistency.
The radios allow umpires to communicate to a colleague that players are 5m from restarts or
ball has travelled 5m with the benefit of a better angle/perspective on the far side of the pitch
or down the side lines.
Umpires can similarly communicate on the area in which an aerial ball is landing to decide
on safety and to determine who is the player entitled to receive the ball with the benefit of
two different perspectives.
Regular time checks/reminders give more accurate time keeping and agreement on who will
stop, restart time and blow for end of half and full time depending on flow of the game at the
time.
Radios can provide confidence building through the reinforcement of good decisions, which
is particularly helpful where an umpire is inexperienced and working with a senior colleague.
Guidance for umpires on use of radios
HHUA have published guidance notes for use of radios which are can be viewed on the
HHUA website. The guidance is updated and is discussed at HHUA forums. The use of the
radios is also discussed in individual coaching sessions as part of the development
programme.
Hot topics in umpiring
Sliding tackles and players “going to ground”
Outfield players who deliberately “go to ground” provide a potential safety risk to themselves
and other players.
A player who goes to ground and in the act causes an opponent to have to take avoiding/
evasive action will be penalised. A free hit will be awarded against the player and if it is
within the defensive 23m, as a deliberate act, a penalty corner will be awarded.
If the offence is in the circle a penalty stroke will be awarded.
Irrespective of where the offence occurs on the pitch the player will receive a yellow card
and a 5 minute suspension.
Where the offence causes contact with an opponent the team penalties are the same but the
player will receive a yellow card with a mandatory 10 minute suspension.
A player who deliberately goes to ground without causing avoiding/evasive action or contact
still risks sanction if they breach the rules, for instance by playing the ball with the body. The
team penalty will be the same and a player risks a personal penalty of a yellow card for a
minimum 5 minutes.
Goalkeepers are entitled to go to ground to make a legitimate attempt to play the ball
although they are required to do so in a controlled manner, safely and without excessive
force.
HHUA umpires are instructed to strictly enforce the rules with regard to sliding tackles and
deliberately going to ground. Ultimately players must make their own decisions and assess
the risk before deciding to go off their feet to compete for the ball.
Aerial ball –players under the ball
Umpires assess two things when the ball is deliberately lifted into the air. The first is danger
on the way up. Generally speaking, there is now less danger as players can lift the ball
immediately from a restart with players required to be 5m away, so unless there is poor
execution of the skill, the danger is usually eliminated. After that, the ball is not dangerous in
flight.
The focus for the umpire then shifts to the landing area. In reality, the players under the ball
or attempting to receive the ball have the responsibility to manage the situation and for the
umpires to deal with breaches.
The objective of the team putting the ball into the air should be a pass to a colleague or a
ball into space. If the ball is sent into the air into a congested area with players from both
sides the team putting the ball into the air should vacate the area allowing a player from the
other side 5m to bring the ball down and under control or should expect to be penalised.
HHUA advise umpires that, in this situation, if the side putting the ball up does not
immediately retreat, this should be blown early.
If the pass is into space, then it should come to ground without any need for action.
The most common confusion seems to be where two players from opposing sides are
competing for the same ball in the air. In essence the umpires have to decide who has the
right to receive based upon the relative positions of the players when the ball went up and
was in flight. A common misconception is that if two opposing players are in close proximity
the hit will go to the side, which did not put the ball up. This is not correct, as a player from
the side which raised the ball can just as easily be, in the opinion of the umpire, in position to
play the ball and the “defending” player must allow the 5m.
If, in the opinion of the umpire, the call is 50/50, then again the responsibility falls on the
player from the team who raised the ball to vacate and allow 5m to the defending team.
Teams which aimlessly lift the ball into crowded areas or into an area where an opponent is
the obvious receiver and do not vacate and allow 5m are just throwing away possession.
Similarly defenders who run into challenge opponents who clearly have rights under the ball
in attacking situations should expect to be penalised. Deliberate infringements in the 23m
risk the award of a penalty corner and in the circle a penalty stroke.
The action of a player calling out “mine” or “my ball” will make absolutely no difference to the
situation, which is decided on the positioning of the players and their actions under the ball.
Players within 5m who are not seeking to influence play or gain an advantage should not
automatically be penalised just for being there. For example a player who is in or running
into an area beyond a defender trying to bring the ball down but not necessarily 5m from him
should not be penalised if that defender misses or miss controls the ball (maybe it just
catches the edge of the stick) unless, in the opinion of the umpire, he was influenced into
making that error by the action of the attacker.
Breakdown of play
This often heard phrase covers a multitude of sins. What it means to umpires is deliberate or
persistent breaches of the rules.
There are many examples, although this list is not exhaustive.
Players or teams engaged in persistent foul tackling or rule breaches.
Deliberate foul tackles (as opposed to genuine attempts to play the ball which are not
properly executed).
Deliberately kicking the ball or using the back of the stick.
Moving the ball away from the area of an offence to deny the opposition the opportunity to
take a quick restart
Deliberate decisions to engage in play or influence play within 5m of an offence by a player
of the same team.
Sliding tackles or “going to ground” which result in rule breaches.
HHUA umpires are encouraged to be aware of any deliberate or cynical play, which should
be penalised with appropriate team and personal penalties where appropriate. Penalty
corners will be awarded for breaches in the 23m and penalty strokes in the circle where
appropriate. Personal penalties will be applied in addition to team penalties, where
appropriate. Individual players may incur personal penalties for their “first offence” as a
result of previous breaches by team mates. The key to avoiding sanctions for persistent
offences is for players and coaches to pick up “the messages” which will have been provided
by the umpires.
Self pass restart.
The introduction of the self pass has been a massive benefit to the game. The rules on
restarts are simple, but do cause management issues for umpires, which are easily avoided
through a few simple procedures.
Firstly players do generally know where the offence occurred and are required to restart
from a point close to the offence. HHUA umpires are encouraged to allow a little latitude
where offences occur outside the attacking 23m, in order to aid the flow of the game. If the
ball is close to the offence and not moving (or the player attempts to stop it), then the
message is to restart immediately. If the ball has moved significantly from the area of the
offence, the player wishing to restart should move the ball back to close to the offence,
before proceeding and make an attempt to stop it first. Failure to do so will delay the team
from taking the restart, as the umpire will call for the restart to be taken from the correct
place. This risks losing the potential opportunity for a quick restart and for persistent
breaches for a free hit to be awarded to the opponents.
Not placing the ball back on the pitch for a restart should not be allowed in any
circumstances. If an umpire blows this, he is not being pernickety. Simply put, the ball is not
back in play.
Finally, not only does there have to be an attempt to stop the ball, there must be an obvious
sign that the ball has been put back into play through a distinct contact with the ball.
Consequently “a run through” with a continuous motion is not an obvious sign of the restart
and can be confused with a player moving the ball up to a position to restart.
There are issues around the 5m “zone” which we will deal with under free hits within 5m of
the circle as the same basic provisions apply.
Players within 5m of a restart
Free hits to attacking team within 5m of the circle
This rule was introduced to speed up the game and provide more opportunities for attacking
teams. This only works if the attacking team abides by some simple principles.
The umpires will be more precise about the positioning of free hits in the 23m area and
around the circle than they might be in other areas of the field. This is so as to not
disadvantage defenders (who have not committed the foul) from being able to set at 5m and
legally challenge at the restart. Therefore the attacking side would be well advised to attempt
to restart from the correct position, if they want to take a quick restart.
Obviously stopping the ball (or making a genuine attempt to do so) and showing a clear
restart are important. Under the last rule amendments, the ball must travel 5m before
entering the circle. Finally attacking players should immediately try and vacate the 5m and
not seek to interfere/influence play or gain an advantage. Provided they are trying to do that,
the umpires should not delay the restart.
There are potentially more difficulties for the defensive team, but again some simple steps
should help avoid breaching the rules.
In broad terms all players must be 5m from the hit when it is taken although the rules provide
the taking of the restart should not be delayed, if players are within 5m but not seeking to
influence the play. The aim is to allow the attacking side to take a quick restart, provided they
follow the rules.
In broad terms, any players within 5m of the offence when it occurs anywhere on the pitch,
should retreat to 5m and no player should encroach until the restart is taken. In practice, the
attacking side may want to get on with it. Defenders within the 5m should clearly
demonstrate that they are not attempting to play the ball or influence play. If in doubt, it is
recommended that any players concerned step aside and recover their position and allow
other defenders to compete for the ball. Well coached teams will have systems to do this.
Defenders are allowed to run back towards their own goal but cannot influence play or play
the ball until it has travelled 5m. They can tackle after 5m, even if they were not 5m away
when the hit was taken provided they have not committed an offence whilst the ball was
travelling the 5m.
When the hit occurs within 5m of the circle, the hit should be taken at the point where the
offence occurred, not automatically 5m from the circle. Defenders must be 5m from the hit.
The only exception is any player who was in the circle within 5m of the hit when it was
awarded who may maintain that position provided that time has not been stopped before the
restart. If time has been stopped all players (attackers and defenders) must be 5m from the
restart.
From the restart, the attacker may move the ball around the edge of the circle and a
defender who was within legally within 5m in the circle when the restart is taken is allowed to
shadow around the circle from within the circle (since the attacker cannot play the ball into
the circle, they are not influencing play) and play the ball when it has travelled 5m.
Defenders legally within 5m in the circle at the time of the restart risk penalties, if they step
out of the circle to engage in play, before it has travelled 5m.
Personal penalties following award of penalty corner or penalty stroke
The rules provide for umpires to award personal penalties for deliberate offences for players
in addition to the award of a free hit, penalty corner or penalty stroke against a team.
Offences outside the defending 23m will result in the award of a free hit and if appropriate
personal warning or a green or yellow card. Yellow cards are automatically expected for
illegal sliding tackles anywhere on the pitch, as previously mentioned.
Where the offence is in the 23m and the umpire deems the offence deliberate, HHUA
expects the umpire to award a penalty corner and to consider the award of a personal
penalty. Offences by defending teams such as deliberate or out of control tackles, deliberate
feet, deliberate use of back of stick, deliberately infringing within 5m, moving the ball from
where an offence occurred, should result in the award of a yellow card.
Similarly, deliberate fouls in the circle (deliberate feet, deliberate back stick, a deliberate foul
tackle ) where a penalty stroke is awarded, require the umpire to consider awarding personal
penalties and should result in the award of a yellow card.
It is also possible for offences in the circle where a penalty corner is awarded to result in
personal penalties. For instance, there may be an off the ball foul which does not deny the
opposition possession or the chance of possession to allow a goal scoring opportunity and
the award of a penalty stroke is not therefore permitted, however, the award a personal
penalty may be appropriate.
Personal penalties are not expected for the deliberate offence of playing the ball off the back
line unless the breaches are persistent.
You may well be saying to yourself it is not like that in the Olympics or other major
tournaments and you would be correct.
The umpires at international events and some national events are working to tournament
briefings from FIH. In broad terms they are working to an understanding that the award of a
penalty corner or penalty stroke is sufficient penalty for the defending team with the likely
outcome being a goal scoring opportunity. This is how these tournaments operate and with
high conversion rates of penalty strokes and penalty corners that is the rationale.
League hockey in Hampshire under the auspices of England Hockey, The South Hockey
League and the Hampshire League operates under the rules of hockey.
Changes to EH regulations regarding a player receiving a red card after committing
the same “minor” offence for a second time having received a yellow card for the first
offence.
From the start of the 2016/17 season any player who receives a red card after committing a
minor offence for a second time having also received a yellow card for the first offence will
no longer automatically receive a 16 day ban. This is now in line with the regulations
previously in force in the England Hockey League (The National League).
A minor offence is defined as an offence which does not involve
Any used, attempted or threatened physical violence or
Any dissent towards an umpire, properly appointed tournament or match official.
Guidance is being given to HHUA umpires faced with the circumstance where a player has
received a yellow card for a minor offence and then (in the same game) commits the same
offence such that the umpire considers the award of a second yellow card is appropriate. In
those circumstances the umpire will stop time (after playing advantage if appropriate) and
show the offending player the second yellow card and then the red card. This will provide
clarity to all concerned in the game as to the nature of the offence.
The player will still be excluded from the rest of the match in which the offence occurs and
will have to leave the playing area.
Umpires will still have to submit a red card report form which has been suitably amended.
For leagues/clubs/competitions where records are kept of accumulated cards (or for clubs
who keep records as part of internal discipline codes) the red card is to be treated as two
yellow cards.
A player can still receive two yellow cards in the same match without receiving a red card but
only where the second offence is different from the offence for which the first yellow card
was awarded. In other words a second yellow card is not an automatic red card unless the
same offence was committed. Players receiving two yellow cards for different offences in the
same game will receive a longer suspension from play for the second offence than they
received for the first yellow card.