3.1 The main umpiring skill areas are:
a match preparation
b co-operation
c mobility and positioning
d whistling
e signalling.
3.2 Match preparation:
a umpires must prepare thoroughly for each match by arriving at the field in
good time
b before the match commences, both umpires must check the field
markings, the goals and the nets and check for any dangerous playing
equipment or field equipment
c the two umpires must wear similar colours to one another, but different
from those of both teams
d clothing appropriate to the conditions must be worn
e footwear must suit field conditions and assist mobility
f umpiring equipment includes a copy of the current Rules book, a loud and
distinctive whistle, a stop watch, coloured cards to indicate personal
penalties and materials to record match details.
3.3 Co-operation:
a good team-work and co-operation between umpires is essential
b prior to a match, umpires must discuss and agree how they are going to
work together to assist each other. Eye contact between umpires must be
practised and maintained
c umpires must take responsibility and be prepared to assist when their
colleague is unsighted or has difficulty seeing certain parts of the field. If
necessary and if mobility is good, umpires must be prepared to cross the
centre-line and go as far as appropriate into a colleague's half of the field
to assist. This helps to reassure players that decisions are correct
d a written record of goals scored and cards issued must be kept by both
umpires and confirmed at the end of the match.
3.4 Mobility and positioning:
a umpires must be mobile so they can move to appropriate positions
throughout the match.
b static umpires cannot view play clearly enough to make correct decisions
at all times
c fit, mobile and well positioned umpires are better able to concentrate on
the flow of the match and on the decisions which need to be made
d each umpire operates mainly in half of the field with the centre line to their
left
e in general, the most suitable position for umpires is ahead of and on the
right of the attacking team
f for play between the centre-line and 23 metres area, umpires must be
positioned near their side-line
g when play is in the 23 metres area or circle, umpires must move further
into the field away from the side-lines and, when necessary, into the circle
itself to see important offences and to judge whether shots at goal are
legitimate
h for penalty corners and after the ball has gone outside the field, umpires
must take up a position which gives a clear view of all potential action
i for penalty strokes, umpires must take up a position behind and to the right
of the player taking the stroke
j umpires must not allow their positioning to interfere with the flow of play
k umpires must face the players all the time.
3.5 Whistling:
a the whistle is the main way in which umpires communicate with players,
each other and other persons involved in the match
b the whistle must be blown decisively and loudly enough for all involved in
the match to be able to hear it. This does not mean long loud whistling at
all times
c the tone and duration of the whistle must be varied to communicate the
seriousness of offences to players.
3.6 Signalling:
a signals must be clear and held up long enough to ensure that all players
and the other umpire are aware of decisions
b only the official signals must be used
c it is preferable to be stationary when giving a signal
d directional signals must not be made across the body
e it is bad practice to look away from the players when a signal or decision is
made; further offences might be missed, concentration can be lost, or this
can indicate a lack of confidence. |
