Game Management & Discipline

Game management refers to the way in which an umpire controls the game. Are they blowing infringements and keeping the game safe? Are they allowing the game to flow by playing advantage where possible, and managing players so the game is not stop-start while the umpire constantly re-sets play?

If a game is not managed well it can be hard for everyone involved (and the game can seem never-ending). Remember, the game is for the players, so you want to let them play as much as possible while ensur- ing safety is maintained. One aspect that can set umpires apart is their ability to read the game and allow flow with the use of advantage. Not all infringements impede the player, therefore not everything needs to be blown.

If you hold off blowing your whistle and indicate you are playing advan- tage, you can always come back to the free hit if advantage doesn’t work out (but not if it is because the player makes an unforced error – that is their problem not yours).

If you blow your whistle and then decide play could have continued, it is too bad, the whistle has been blown and the free hit must be taken. It is best to get in the habit of holding your whistle by your side and seeing what happens in the play during the time it takes to bring your whistle to your mouth (usually you know by then if play can continue or not).

Sometimes a free hit is better than advantage, so you need to read the game. An example being when a player is surrounded and has to work hard to find space. Defenders also prefer a free hit so they have time to re-set and work the ball out of defence. While we want to play as much advantage as possible and allow the game to flow, it is import- ant that umpires do not lose control.

Free hits are the first tool an umpire has to control the players and let them know that they have breached the rules. If players are constantly not being penalised they may think what they are doing is ok, or that they can get away with it. It is important to still let players know about consistent breaches, which can be done with the use of the whistle(double blow) and then a verbal warning at the next opportune moment.

It is extremely important that an umpire can read the play and control the game proactively. This means managing situations and players before things get out of hand. Remember it is always easier to manage small situations than waiting until you have lost control and trying to get it back.

The easiest ways to maintain control are:

• Blow free hits for infringements.
• Be consistent with interpretation and penalties.
• Set and maintain standards.
• Pull back on advantage (stop playing it) if the game is getting away from you.
• Use your whistle and voice to warn players if required.

In the event of a player being injured you should show compassion but minimise your involvement (let the team manager decide the course of action).

As the umpire your basic injury management plan is:

• At an appropriate time stop play and ask the player if they are ok.
• If the player is ok, play on.
• If required, call the team manager onto the field so they can help
• remove the injured player from the field (no-one should enter the field until you call them).
• Once the player is off the field, re-start the game (not before the player is completely off the field).

TOOLS FOR MISCONDUCT

Sometimes despite an umpires best efforts, players step outside the rules and penalties must be applied to keep the game safe.

The tools available to umpires to help manage the players include (and in order of importance):

1. Free hits and an explanation (for simple breaches of the rules).

2. Upgrade from a free hit to a penalty corner (only if in the attacking 25) for a repeated or bad breach (only after you have already explained to the player what the problem is).

3. Cards (this is a last resort and you MUST have tried to explain previous breaches to players).

There are 3 coloured cards available to umpires, all resulting in the team playing short for the duration of the penalty. Remember the level you are umpiring, have you done enough to try manage players before deciding on this course of action?

• Green – A 2 minute suspension for a minor offence e.g. not retreat- ing 5 yards, stick check.

• Yellow – A 5 minute (minimum) suspension for a personal offence such as abuse or a particularly bad or professional breach (rare at this level).

• Red – A permanent suspension for the game. This should only be issued for assault (hopefully this would never occur at this level).