Umpiring at Bridgwater Hockey Club

Guidelines for Bridgwater Hockey Club Umpires

From our very own President and Umpires Secretary, Geoff Banham. Available as a handy download below.

Essential Equipment

• Whistle
• Stopwatch
• Cards (Green, yellow and red)
• A top, ideally yellow, but which is a different colour to the two teams. Ideally it should be the same colour as the other umpire
• Trousers/track suit trousers (ideally not shorts) ideally black
• A pencil (and a spare) to log score & any cards given
• A notepad (or write on cards)
• A coin (to toss up)Additional Desirable Equipment
• String to tie up any holes there might be in the nets
• A cap (to cater for strong sunlight)
• A long sleeved top or rainjacket (colour see above - umpire can’t perform if frozen!
• Gloves if required, as above
• Alternative sounding whistle (in case of 2 games side by side)

Preparation and The Game

• Discuss the game/colour to wear with fellow umpire before the start
• Check position of goals & repair any holes in nets with string
• Clear hazards (spare goals etc) around edge of pitch•Decide who will take which side of pitch
• At Chilton the more experienced umpire should take the side near the dug-outs (to control any subs and coaches)
• At Chilton any player or coach in front of the fence to be under umpires’ jurisdiction. Everyone else should be behind the fence
• Agree who will time first half, the other takes second half (both monitor time also)
• Establish who are actually the captains
• Introduce yourself to the captains latest at the time of doing the toss
• Establish how many players each team has nominated. Should ideally have a list of names before the game
• Remind captains they have overall responsibility for the behaviour of players, both on-field players and substitutes
• Toss and give winning captain option of choice of end or starting
• Remember what the selection was
• Ensure an acceptable match ball is provided (and spares in the event of loss of it)
• Check only 11 players for each side are on the pitch
• Ensure both teams (especially goalkeepers) ready before starting
• Log goals scored as game proceeds
• Log cards handed out per player’s number and per card colour (by both umpires
• Discourage fellow club members calling you by name rather than by “umpire”
• If you lose anything, time etc, stop the game at appropriate point and consult
• Your jurisdiction continues until the teams leave the pitch area
• Sign match card at end, giving your umpire number
• Get your own umpire log signed if required
• Report to the league any red card awarded on official document (available on website (ashua.org.uk)
• Try and enjoy home team’s post match hospitality!