Learning with an Experienced Umpire (Mentor)

Learning with an Experienced Umpire (Mentor)

BEST WAY TO LEARN - Just Do It!!

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU LEARN

At training with coaches or guests umpires...

1.  On field sessions to better your understanding of: 

  • Whistling and Signals
  • Field markings 
  • On field positioning
  • Penalty Corner
  • Body and stick obstruction
  • Attacking Free Hits (23m area) and penalty strokes
  • Mid field breathes 
  • Playing advantage
  • Dangerous play
  • Working with the other umpire

During game play....

2.  Running the field beside an experienced umpire (walk and talks)

3.  Try umpiring juniors with a mentor on the field beside you.

4.  Umpire some juniors with a mentor on the sideline to give you feedback at half time and full time or umpiring the other end of the field.

 5. Follow up sessions – once a month – discussions and practical situation

SOME TIPS....

The Whistle

Whistle Blowing:  Beginner umpires are always nervous. A loud clear whistle gives confidence to the teams you  are umpiring, and the teams will be more confident in the umpire’s decisions. "Fake it til you Make it"

Practice blowing the whistle loudly and confidently

  • Using different tones of the whistle.
  • When you don't  blow the whistle (sideline hits, 16 yard hits, long corners)
  • Body Language – are you confident or scared – what do the players see?
  • While blowing the whistle, what about your body language..do you look confident or timid?

Signals – giving direction to the players 

 Learning the signal, being clear & correct, knowing when they are used.

Areas of Responsibility - "your end"

Refer to your field card zones: 

  •  Which sideline & backline is yours? 
  • Signalling to help the other umpire - when?

Discuss rules relating to:  

1.  Penalty Corners

 Players and spectators will argue with decisions more in the circles - highly competitive. 

Decision making: 

  • breaches by attackers
  • breaches by defenders
  • deliberate vs accidental
  • over the backline, goal line, side line
  • playing out the corner
  • breaking by attackers/defenders
  • strong whistles, good body language, good positioning and correct signals. Give particular attention to stick checks and body obstructions.

 2. Attacking Free Hits (23m area) 

3.  Penalty Strokes

3. Mid field breaches

  • playing advantage

3. Game Debrief: after umpiring your first game

  • problems or events (both positive and negative) that happened during their umpiring. 

 

OTHER EXPERIENCES THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR UMPIRING

1.  Watching umpires in higher division games

2.  Scoring on the tech bench

3.  Volunteer to umpire as often as you can.

4. Attend BWHA/BHA development clinics - link to the clinics run by BWHA.

https://www.bwha.com.au/development-workshops/

OTHER PROCEDURES YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT

  • Starting the game:  captains, coin toss, choosing ends, working with the tech bench, watching your other umpire
  • Injuries & time out
  • Using Cards for misconduct
  • End of game procedures
  • Rules about equipment
  • Dealing with unruly spectators/coaches
  • Substitutions


NEXT SECTION:  SCORING AND TECH OFFICIALS