KENT HOCKEY UMPIRING ASSOCIATION

1. KENT HOCKEY UMPIRING ASSOCIATION Members Evening 10th September 2012 Subjects for Discussion New Rules Lifted Ball Breaking down play Low Level Management - Team & Personal Penalties

2. New Rules 2012/2013

3. The most important bit of advice From the evidence of the trial of these rules in higher-level competitions there has not been a significant change in the way the game is being played. Umpires should not focus on these rule changes to the detriment of all the others.

4. What are the changes? Method of scoring. The way a goal is scored is amended; it now includes what is sometimes referred to as an “own goal”. That is, a goal can now be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender.

5. So what is the rule 8.1 A goal is scored when: a. the ball is played by an attacker, or touches the stick or body of a defender, within the circle b. after either of these actions, the ball does not travel outside the circle before passing completely over the goal-line and under the cross-bar.

6. Guidance It may be considered that due to the change in rule, it is now easier for umpires to make the correct decision. However, it must be noted that there may well be an increased number of hits into the D and that the “supporting” umpire should still be up the pitch helping their colleague. This best practice is the same as it has been previously.

7. Guidance For clarity, a Goal Keeper is classed as a defender.

8. Guidance From an officiating point of view, following consultation with the FIH, own goals will be recorded as follows:  if an attacker touches the ball in the circle before a goal is scored, the goal is credited to the last attacker to touch the ball, no matter what happens to it after s/he has touched it before it goes in the goal, provided it does not leave the circle - i.e. there is absolutely no change to current practice.  if no attacker touches the ball in the circle but it deflects off a defender into the goal, then it is recorded as an OG but it is not attributed to an particular defender. You do not need to worry about this, but it may be helpful to know if you are asked questions byplayers / officials.

9. What else has changed? Rules 13.2.d and e: procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play. The ball may now be raised intentionally and directly using a push, flick or scoopaction

10. Guidance This rule has been brought in to improve safety at aerials. If a defender is now 5m away and an aerial is taken without them having the opportunity to close down, it significantly reduces the risk of there being danger. If an attacker lifts the ball dangerously into a defender who is legitimately retreating then the attacker must be penalised. As a good umpire did previously, be aware of defenders getting in the way and slowing down the taking of a free hit.

11. Rule deletion… Rules 13.2.f and g: as a consequence of the changes above, these Rules have been deleted 13.2 f..  If the player taking the free hit is the next player to play the ball, the actions of taking the free hit and of next playing the ball must be two separate actions 13.2 g.. Before another player of the team which took the free hit is allowed to play the ball, the ball must move at least 1 metre. 
The ball does not have to move 1 metre before the player taking the free hit may play the ball again.

12. Guidance For a free hit to be legitimately taken a number of conditions must be met. First the ball must be stationary. In less important areas of the field, where no advantage is gained and as long as an attempt to stop the ball is made, a good umpire would allow play to continue. In more important areas, eg. Inside the attacking 23, the ball should be stationary before a free hit is taken. This is exactly the same best practice as last season. There is no longer the requirement for the ball to travel 1m before another player of the team that took the free hit may play the ball again. However, it must be made very obvious when a free hit has been taken. It is the responsibility of the team taking the free hit to make sure that it is obvious when the free hit is taken.

13. Stick Regulations EHB have determined that the new stick measurement regulations, as included in the 2013 rulebook, will not be introduced in England until 1 September 2013. This is for information only.

14. Any questions?

15. Ariel & Lifted Ball…How can we improve it?? Firstly the rules: 9.7 Players must not play the ball with any part of the stick when the ball is above shoulder height except that defenders are permitted to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height.

16. 9.8 Players must not play the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play. A ball is considered dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action by players. The penalty is awarded where the action causing the danger took place.  9.10 Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled and is on the ground. The initial receiver has a right to the ball. If it is not clear which player is the initial receiver, the player of the team which raised the ball must allow the opponent to receive it.  Source: FIH Rules 2011-12

17. Interpretation: Stick above shoulder height The height of the stick is very important when penalising this action, but it is the potential outcome that determines the appropriate penalty i.e. free hit, green card or yellow card. (1) A stick level with the player’s shoulder is allowed – help players to understand this by signalling play on and indicating with your voice  (2) A stick above the shoulder is not allowed (perhaps nearing head height or periscope) – this is an offence and should come with the appropriate penalty

18. Interpretation: Stick above shoulder height The height of the stick is very important when penalising this action, but it is the potential outcome that determines the appropriate penalty i.e. free hit, green card or yellow card. (1) A stick level with the player’s shoulder is allowed – help players to understand this by signalling play on and indicating with your voice  (2) A stick above the shoulder is not allowed (perhaps nearing head height or periscope) – this is an offence and should come with the appropriate penalty

19. Apply common sense when interpreting this regulation. In order to determine the appropriate penalty think about the event that has occurred and the context of the game and what the outcome of this action caused on the passage of play.Source: NPUA Umpiring Guidance for 2011/12

20. Overall, we need to get a simple message to our colleagues, teams and spectators!! • Situation: Two players within 5m of each other or moving towards the ball & the ball not landing within a safe channel. • Three ways for this to be awarded: • A: Blow early, free hit defence (the most common). • B: Blow early, free hit attacker. • In both of these accounts, we should try to allow a quick self pass & manage opposition so not engaging. • C: Play on, NO DANGER!! (Sell this again…arms aloft & use of loud voice “play on”)

21. How do we do this??? • 1: Anticipate the Ariel being executed. • On the way up….DANGER?? no!! • 2: Look into the balls landing zone. • 3: Ignore the ball in flight. • 4: Read early the players positioning & intentions. • 5: Make the decision whilst ball is in flight (NOT when it lands): • a)      Blow early for dangerous play. • b)      If close try to mange situation by use of voice (i.e.” Defender” stay 5”) & signal early. •  MANAGE WITH CONFIDENCE: Once decision awarded Signal (show 5 fingers aloft) and project voice to players once blown. Positive body language essential!

22. Lifted Ball • Once again I believe the message is: Blow it simply, be consistent!!  Again the rules: • 9.8 Players must not play the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play. A ball is considered dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action by players. The penalty is awarded where the action causing the danger took place.

23. Breakdown of Play • What is breaking down play (How is it different from any other foul)? • A Personal Penalty should always be given. • Where in the pitch does it occur, around the circle and in the 23m. • Time in the match – last 10 or a close match then more likely

24. Low Level Management • Use of the control ladder appropriately is extremely important to maintain good control. Umpires should be encouraged to use the measures available to them. • Umpires should be encouraged to make it part of their pre-match chat. • Making good use of low level techniques early in the game can make the job of controlling the players later in the game much easier. Early passive management with no intervention often causes significant problems later in the game.

25. Low Level Management • Talking to the players showing empathy to encourage them to co-operate, explaining the consequences of not doing so. • If speaking to players does not work first off, speak to the captain and use him as one of the Management Tools. • Umpires should be encouraged to intervene early rather than later.

26. Use of cards • Breaking down play in the 23 that warrants the award of a penalty, be it a penalty corner, should in the majority of instances be followed by a personal penalty. Cards should be used with discretion but dependent on the circumstances but in most cases should be worthy of a green card, and in some instances a yellow. • Umpires need to understand that they must be as aware of the personal penalty as well as the team penalty.

27. Umpiring 2012/2013 • The most important message to you all is that you make sure that you enjoy your Umpiring this and every season!!!