THE BRIEFING

Watch tackles carefully - be sure the tackler breaks the rules before penalising.

Do not penalise just because there is a noise or “it looks bad” or “the tackler is in an impossible position”.

Watch which direction the ball travels. This often indicates if it was an attempt to play the ball.

Be strict on breaking down play and intentional stopping tackles from individual players but also as team tactic. Identify these early in the game.

Be aware of intentional shielding and body blocking

Are the players trying to play the ball - they have to be.

Is there a possibility to play the ball – there must be.

 Is there active movement, to prevent the playing of the ball – there must be.

 Be aware of “professional” illegal use of the body to block.

Stick obstruction (blocking) is a hot issue. Judge it fairly and correctly and only blow if 100%sure.

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 a player at half shin pad height are not dangerous.

Use common sense and show an understanding of the play.

Be consistent as an individual and as a team.

Set up free hits correctly. Make sure the players are 5 metres.

Watch the ball on the way up -The ball cannot be flicked dangerously directly towards an opposing player

The ball landing – apart form the receiver all other players must stay 5 metres away until ball is safely on the ground.

Penalise poor skill by the receiver when the receiver makes the ball dangerous.

Defenders are permitted to stop or deflect a shot at goal above their shoulder but be aware of the stick movement towards the ball and use common sense and penalise only if the ball is genuinely hit dangerously

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 feet when there is no chance of any other play.

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... flow.

At penalty strokes allow the stroke if it looks natural - even if there is a minor drag.

Remember that the Penalty Stroke is a major decision for a major foul.

Positioning is critical - sell decisions.

Manage the “set up” – the “meetings on the top of the circle or in defence.

Breaking at pc’s - allow the same for the whole match, but manage early.

Apply the Drag flick interpretations.

Cooperation needed if runner is hit - below or above the knee?

Position of the disengaged umpire should allow support of colleague of the height, the direction of the shot, the possibility of suicide runners and possibility of obstruction of runners and goalkeeper.

When the ball is clearly missing the goal and the defender is hit high on the body, decision = free hit for danger

When defending a penalty corner if a player continues to wear a facemask after the penalty corner is completed a free hit should be awarded. Should this occur then a further free hit and an appropriate card. Players should however be permitted to complete a defending action even though it means playing the ball outside their circle when wearing the facemask. Common sense must be used

No personal interpretations! Stick to rules and guidance and sell your decisions.

Ensure goalkeeper and taker are in position and prepared

Taker within playing distance of the ball – communicate this early

Appealing for free hits, abuse or shouting by the players spoils the game.

Do not permit comments at every penalty corner.

Harassment, intimidation or surrounding an umpire after decisions is not to be tolerated.

Make it easy on yourself - stamp it out early. Use your skills.

We all need to do this in every match!

Quickly go to the player and ask them if they need attention.

If you get no response ask the captain if the doctor/physio is required.

If bleeding or obviously serious - call doctor/physio immediately.

Stop the game immediately for head injuries

Make sure you understand the new rules and interpretations

A forehand hard hit using the edge of the stick is not allowed even if it is a shot at goal and must be penalised

Be aware there is no change in the interpretation of the rule concerning the ball hitting the foot, body or hand of a field player -  the text was changed to reinforce the interpretation of the rule.

Goalkeeper wearing protective headgear are only permitted to take pat in the game within their 23m area

Designated goalkeepers who only wear protective headgear may take part in the game outside their own 23m, provided they have safely removed their headgear and continue to wear a shirt or garment of a different colour to both teams

At penalty corners, an injured or suspended goalkeeper may only be replaced by a similarly attired goalkeeper i.e. a goalkeeper wearing only protective headgear may not be replaced by a fully kitted goalkeeper.

Allow a goalkeeper to move the ball away with their hand / hand protector / arm / body, as part of making a save

Permit this action in a situation where attackers have an opportunity to score or attempt to score a goal, so it can be used to deny attackers the possibility of possession or another shot at goal.

Be aware that a goalkeeper who intentionally propels the ball over a long distance should be penalised with a penalty corner

If a team uses only field players, no player has goalkeeper privileges.

If the player defending a penalty corner is taking part as a field player, they may only wear a face mask as protective equipment and may only use their stick to make a save.