KEY FIELD HOCKEY POINTS (August 2011)

GAME PLAN SAFETY FAIRNESSJUSTICE Look at the field Look at the weather conditions Look where to help partner through congestion Be aware of partner’s positions Talk to the players Be aware of team styles and personalities Be flexible Know your tools All of this will help with your concentration

PRESENTATION WHISTLINGPOSITIONINGSIGNALING Movement Talking Body language Look off the ball and look away at appropriate times Be closer at times of congestion Make solid, clear decisions *** UMPIRE THE GAME, NOT JUST THE MOMENT!!!

MANAGEMENT AWARENESS ACTIONRECOGNITION Be proactive Set standards early Talk to the players Establish 7 yards (5 meters) on free hits from the beginning Be sure free hits are taken correctly Change the game plan Communicate with partner Use team captains Get players calm and ready to play Have a presence at appropriate times Use tools

FLOW Encourage game to flow by only interfering when necessary Don’t allow too much flow and lose control Allow players to contest the ball Allow for as much advantage as possible Read the game (no ball watching) Sometimes a free hit is a better advantage and causes less frustration Whistle timing is critical

OBSTRUCTION A few questions to keep in mind when considering obstruction… Are the players trying to play the ball? Is there a possibility to play the ball? Is there active movement to prevent the playing of the ball? (RE: rule book pages 74 and 75)

PENALTY CORNERS Positioning is critical- sell decisions Manage the set-up Positioning of trail umpire- support on height, direction of shot, and obstruction Ball outside the circle first (NEW RULE)- page 51, pages 80 & 81