Hockey umpire positioning

Umpire positioning

Umpire positioning is hugely important to the success of the officiating team, as well as the flow and attitude of the game. It is important for an umpire to ensure they are in the most effective position to both view and communicate with players effectively. You will find that it is also important for players to feel as if the umpire is making an effort to get into effective positions. They are likely to have a negative and possibly critical view of an umpire if they believe decisions are incorrect due to an umpire's positioning, which is likely to effect an umpire's ability to effectively manage a game.

Area of control

The left umpire is responsible for the red side of the field, with the right side umpire being responsible for the blue. In the Grey area between sides and ends of the field, control Is generally given to the umpire to which the play is coming towards. For example, if the play is going >> then control would be with the Blue umpire - Or if the play Is going ^^ then control would be given to the Red umpire.

General play positioning

Keep a 45 degree angle from your co-umpire, this helps with vision for both umpires and makes it easy to locate your fellow umpire. Be sure to remember, that as the ball moves to the far side of the field, you should move into the mid field. Then head towards your own side-line as the ball comes back to the midfield, and your side of the field.

Penalty corner

Positioning within the circle is where you are most comfortable and can see the play best.

The Blue cross closest to the goal-box is where an umpire would stand when the push-out is on the far side of the goal-box. The Blue cross closest to the circle is where an umpire would stand if the push-out is taken on the near side of the goal-box. The Red cross is where your partner umpire would stand.

The Red umpire is standing in their position to ensure the defending team are out of the defensive half, while also watching the line the defensive runners are taking, as well as if the shot taken is on target and dangerous.

The Blue umpire is watching to make sure the push-out is legal, the defensive unit don't break early, while checking for infringements such as obstruction, feet and stick checks.

Penalty stroke

The Blue cross is where the umpire who awarded the Penalty stroke would stand; on an angle slightly behind the player taking the stroke to ensure thr stroke is taken correctly. The Red cross is where your partner umpire would stand; their job is to watch the goal-keeper and make sure the ball has crossed the line.

Things to remember;

*16 yard hits - never stand ahead of play or in line with the hitter

*Try to keep ahead of play
*In the circle, the closer you are to the ball, the more you will see
*Change your position if players are in your way.
*'Area of control' is generally given to whichever umpire the play is coming toward. However, it is important to communicate your views with your fellow umpire
*Do your best to keep up with play.
*When play is on your side, it is important to remain close to the side-line, or out of the field of play if necessary. Move toward midfield when play is on the opposite side of the field.