1. UMPIRE MANAGERS BRIEFING FOR YOUNG UMPIRES 2006 © England Hockey

2. PREPARATION  Good preparation = good performance  Make sure you understand this Briefing  Ask if you are not sure about anything  Look after yourself – take plenty of drinks / food throughout the day. © England Hockey

3. THE MATCH  Help the players – they need to understand you.  Help each other – you are the 3 rd team on the pitch.  Be aware of areas on the pitch where your colleague could need assistance.  If you have to, take time in making decisions.  Try to get decisions correct and consistent between the two of you.  Use common sense. © England Hockey

4. MANAGEMENT  Set standards early – TALK to the players.  Make it easy on yourself – get the players 5m from the ball at free hits every single time.  Make sure free hits are taken correctly. © England Hockey

5. FLOW  Encourage the game to flow – only blow the whistle if you have to.  Allow the players to contest the ball – only illegal tackles should be penalised – not the noisy or strong tackles!  Allow as much advantage as possible.  Read the game – do not ball watch.  Whistle timing and tone (variation) is important – big loud whistle for big bad offences, quieter whistle for lesser, little offences! © England Hockey

6. TACKLING  Watch tackles carefully – use your eyes like a camera lens – zoom in and zoom out!  Do not penalise tackles just because there is a noise or ‘it looks bad.’  Watch which direction the ball travels. © England Hockey

7. 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? © England Hockey

8. BALL OFF THE GROUND  Blow only in dangerous situations everywhere on the pitch…forget ‘lifted’ think ‘danger’.  Low balls lifted over defenders sticks in a controlled manner that hit half shin pad are not dangerous.  Use common sense and show understanding of play.  Be consistent as an individual and as a team. © England Hockey

9. OVERHEAD BALLS  Set up free hits correctly, make sure players are 5 metres from the ball.  Watch the ball on the way up – the ball must not be flicked dangerously toward an opposing player.  The ball landing – the players must stay 5 metres away until ball is safe on the ground.  Penalise poor skill when the receiver makes the ball dangerous. © England Hockey

10. MANUFACTURED OFFENCES  Be aware of the ball carrier manufacturing free hits. This upsets defenders – think through where the ball carrier is likely to do this.  Be aware of manufacturing of obstruction and foot when there is no chance of any other play. © England Hockey

11. DRAGGING THE BALL AT FREE HITS AND PENALTY STROKES.  At free hits near the circle, do not permit attackers to release the ball in the circle – this is sometimes done to manufacture PC’s.  Midfield – show common sense and allow the game to continue.  At penalty strokes allow the stroke if it looks natural – even if there is a minor drag. © England Hockey

12. PENALTY CORNERS  Good positioning is critical.  Only the umpire who awarded the PC can blow the whistle in the circle.  Work together as a team.  The ball must pass outside the circle before the attacking team can score a goal from a shot (it needn’t be stopped).  When the ball is missing the goal and the defender is hit high on the body, your decision should to award a free hit to the defence (for danger). © England Hockey

13. PENALTY STROKES  Stand to the right of the taker and 2m behind.  Make sure you can see the taker, the GK and the ball.  When the GK and the taker are ready, stand still and blow your whistle.  The other umpire stands on the back-line approx. 6m from the goalpost.  Taker must be within playing distance of the ball.  GK must be on the goal-line. © England Hockey

14. APPROACH TO INJURIES  Go quickly to the player and ask them if they need attention.  If they don’t answer, ask the team captain if the doctor is required.  If they are bleeding or the injury looks serious – call the doctor on immediately. © England Hockey

15. THE KEY TO SUCCESS GOOD COMMUNICATION To the players with your colleague and with your support team © England Hockey

16. AND FINALLY… Smile and relax and enjoy the challenge ! It’s your tournament too! © England Hockey