How to Become A Field Hockey Umpire In South Africa

An umpire in field hockey is a person with the authority to make decisions on a hockey pitch in accordance with the rules of the game. Each match is controlled by two such umpires.

Does field hockey have referees?

Field Hockey matches are administered by two umpires, one working along each sideline. Typical violations to watch for include illegal use of the field hockey stick, kicking and lifting the ball, obstruction and dangerous play. Today, field hockey is a highly competitive sport at many skill levels.

What is a hockey referee called?

There are two categories of officials, on-ice officials, who are the referees and linesmen that enforce the rules during gameplay, and off-ice officials, who have an administrative role rather than an enforcement role.

Does hockey have umpires or referees?

The sports that have umpires are Cricket, baseball, tennis, Aussie rules football and others while the sports that have referees are American football, lacrosse, dodgeball, basketball, boxing, ice hockey and many others

How to Become A Field Hockey Umpire In South Africa

If you plan to become a field hockey umpire, here are a few things to know. Field Hockey matches are administered by two umpires, one working along each sideline. Field hockey umpires strive to stay ahead of the action and work into position to view the play without impeding play.

Because of the size of the field, conditioning is very important. Strong knowledge of field hockey rules is essential to being successful.

Because each team uses of eleven players and substitutions roll in and out, field hockey umpires must be alert to more than just the play around the ball.

Umpires are also expected to show a strong whistle and good mechanics with their primary and secondary signals. Typical violations to watch for include illegal use of the field hockey stick, kicking and lifting the ball, obstruction and dangerous play.

Today, field hockey is a highly competitive sport at many skill levels. In the South Africa it is played primarily by women. It is also a game without a surplus of officials, creating good opportunities for field hockey umpires to work games and to advance.

Field Hockey Umpire Training

USA Field Hockey certifies umpires to work competitions throughout the country. There are several levels of certification, beginning with the Young Player Umpire for candidates under the age of 13.

For games at the highest level, a top tier official called an Umpire Manager is required. Information about Field Hockey Umpire Certification can be found at the South Africa Field Hockey Website.

Go to the Choose a State page and select your state to find information about becoming a high school field hockey umpire in your state.

Here is a good resource for high school field hockey rules: 2020 NFHS Field Hockey Rules Book

Field Hockey Umpire Equipment and Uniform

Umpire Shirt with style and color as required for your area

Black visor

Black skirt or black slacks

Fox 40 whistle

Nylon penalty flag

Warning cards

OFFICIATING EDUCATION PATHWAY

The Officiating Education Pathway is for umpires and technical officials. It starts with a common online course followed by face-to-face courses that are specifically designed for the two roles.

The pathway is divided into 2 levels: Foundation and Advanced.

Foundation Level topics are:

Role of the Official: roles, qualities, and characteristics of an FIHA Official

The Game: rules and values of hockey, relevant technical components of the game

The Athlete: athlete expectations about officials and officiating

Officiating Theory: relevant officiating knowledge

Preparing to Officiate: preparing the environment, facilities, equipment, safety and emergency procedures

Plan, Do, Review: planning, goal setting, game strategy, evaluation

Advanced Level then develops on one or more of the Foundation Level topics in order to provide officials with specific training for their career level (national, international, etc.). The second level will develop one or more of these topics in order to provide officials with specific training for their officiating career level (national, international, etc.).

Foundation Level

To access this course you need to be over 16 years of age and completed the online Start Hockey course.Read more

Advanced Level

To access this course you need to be over 18 years of age, be an active umpire and hold a FIH Hockey Academy Foundation Level Certificate. Read more

How do you become a Level 2 umpire in hockey In South Africa?

There is no Level 2 Course for umpiring, and it is all done via continual assessment. In order to be assessed, you must umpire neutrally appointed games, and the assessments will be carried out by your local area umpiring organization

How old do you have to be to REF field hockey In South Africa?

Is there a minimum age to start officiating? South Africa Hockey has no minimum or maximum ages for officials. It is highly recommended that officials not work games of their own age classification or higher, regardless of level attained. Generally, officials can successfully officiate as young as age ten years-old.

Is there an umpire in field hockey In South Africa?

An umpire in field hockey is a person with the authority to make decisions on a hockey pitch in accordance with the rules of the game. Each match is controlled by two such umpires. In World-Level competitions, a video umpire is also appointed in addition to the field and reserve umpires.

How long does it take to become a hockey ref In South Africa?

One year experience before moving to Level 4. Must get a minimum open book exam score of 45/50 or closed book exam score of 40/50, and complete all other requirements. May officiate all levels of USA Hockey. Level 4 officials have the utmost experience by passing through all the levels, taking approximately 3-4 years.

How many umpires are there in a hockey field In South Africa?

two umpires

Each hockey match is controlled by two umpires. If you would like to find out about becoming a hockey umpire, we have a number of Umpire Qualifications that you can undertake.