Umpires

The umpire’s role is to ensure fair play and ultimately facilitate the enjoyable experience of everyone involved in a hockey match. Whether you want to get involved with hockey for the first time or you’re an experienced player or coach looking to take the next step in your hockey career there’s an umpiring qualification suited to helping you become the umpire you wish to be.

Backhand shots

What to look for with a backhand shot to determine if it is leading edge or illegally played with the back of the stick. The angle of the hook: if low to the ground it means a lot of the ‘back of the stick’ is exposed bit if the hook is slightly raised the ball …

Body obstruction

In this segment we cover body and third party obstruction. A player must not obstruct an opponent attempting to play the ball. Players obstruct if they back into an opponent, physically interfere with the body or shield with any part of their body. A third party who runs in front of or blocks an opponent …

HockeyEd

Umpires are a vital component of our sport, without them the game cannot be played! Whether you are a seasoned umpire or are looking at getting into running our game for the first time, we have a spot for you. There are no minimum requirements to obtain your Community Umpire Accreditation; it is an enjoyable and straightforward training program. You should be willing …

Obstruction fundamentals

Looking at obstruction from the …

Signals

Primary  |  Secondary  |  Administrative

Stick obstruction

Obstruction is any active movement to prevent playing of the ball and this includes a stick or a body including a third person obstruction. This segment will focus on stick obstructions. If the player plays the ball or the ball moves outside the players area of control it NOT stick obstruction if after this has …

The overhead

What happens if the player decides to throw an overhead? When the ball goes up: the player needs to ensure that the person from the opposite team is at a safe distance (5 metres and not directly in line with the ball). When the ball comes down:  The ball is landing where two players are …

The umpires tools

Today we explain how the umpires communicate on the field with the players. For example, a soft whistle for a basic infringement allows the players to play on (after stopping the ball) but a loud whistle does not.

Whistling

When you blow the whistle make sure it’s loud and sharp.

Outdoor Rule Book

Rules of Hockey ~  including explanations
Effective from 1 January 2019  ~  Updated in November 2020

Umpires Coach education

Giving back to the officiating community through umpire coaching is a fantastic way to stay involved in the sport, whilst contributing to its future.