How is Field Hockey Officiated?
Field hockey officiating ensures fair play and adherence to the game's rules. It involves a team of officials who oversee the match and maintain the game's integrity.
Roles of Officials
- Umpires: Typically, there are two on-field umpires. They control the match, make decisions regarding fouls, and manage player conduct.
- Technical Reviewer: In higher-level matches, a technical reviewer may be present to assist with video reviews of any contentious decisions.
- Timekeeper: This official keeps track of the game clock and is responsible for timing incidents, such as penalty corners and timeouts.
Key Responsibilities
Umpires enforce rules, including:
- Calling fouls for infractions such as stick tackles, dangerous plays, or obstruction.
- Awarding penalty corners for defensive fouls inside the circle.
- Issuing cards (yellow and red) for disciplinary actions.
Decision-Making Process
While umpires make immediate decisions during play, they often confer with each other to ensure consistency, especially in critical moments. Communication is vital during a match, and umpires use signals to indicate calls to players and spectators.
Technology in Officiating
In elite competitions, technology such as video referrals may be used, allowing teams to request reviews of specific plays. This aims to improve accuracy in officiating decisions.