This week’s hockey rules problem: how do you handle when a ball doesn’t leave the circle before a shot is taken on goal during a penalty corner? We’ll give you the answer on this #RuleyTuesday! When it comes to hockey rules, 13.3(k) is the absolute WORST. This episode of #RuleyTuesday we’ll pick apart the rule […]
Ref, You Suck! | #MentoringMonday
Welcome to #MentoringMonday, where hockey umpires get the support and resources they need to develop their umpiring careers.
In Against the Rules, Michael Lewis spends an entire podcast series talking about referees, in the most general sense: people who are appointed to adjudicate fairness in all kinds of aspects of life.
Hockey Rules & Interpretations: Understanding the Aerial Ball | #FeatureFriday
Although 2 opposing players were within 5m of each other when the aerial was launched, the attacker starts in front and could have safely received the ball but for the encroachment from a defender.
Hockey Umpiring & Rules | Thomas Briels on Tackles and Setting Standards Early | #UmpireAtHome #TBT
Thomas Briels, captain of @Belredlions, riffs on perceiving tackles and how some can look much worse than they are. Also, he provides a terrific take-home: players actually do want to know our standards early so they can stay on the field. Set them early!
Suspended Goalkeepers and Penalty Strokes | How to Apply the Rules of Hockey | #RuleyTuesday Ep. 2
On this #RuleyTuesday, we tackle the hockey rule that determines what you need to do when you’ve suspended a goalkeeper from the game, awarded a penalty stroke, but the team lacks a second dressed goalkeeper. What do you think? Do you have local regulations that change how you’d handle this? Also, do you have a […]
Rules of Hockey | Penalty Corner Collision | #askFHU
This collision on the penalty corner is worth examining, for a variety of reasons. For context, there was a significant incident at last year’s Pro League Finals during the semi-final between these two teams where a collision between an AUS attacker and GBR defender resulted in the defender suffering a concussion and had to sit […]
Playing The Ball Intentionally Off The End Line | How to Apply the Rules of Hockey | #RuleyTuesday Ep. 1
Here’s the first instalment of a new feature called #RuleyTuesday.* I’ll present a hot take on one subclause of a hockey rule in as close as I can get to 2′. Up first: intentionally playing the ball off the end line. Let me know your thoughts! Do you have a request and would like to […]
Half Court Press Podcast: Pan American Hockey Ep. 2 – The Keely Dunn Interview
The sport of hockey is played and enjoyed all over the world. In the sixth season of the Half Court Press Podcast, we focus on what has been happening in the Pan American region of the sport. In this series, we gain perspectives and opinions from those involved in the game that might not always […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 18 with Soledad Iparraguirre
Beyoncé. Shakira. Hillary. Soledad. #UmpireAtHome welcomes the legend who needs no second name, Soledad (Iparraguirre just for the SEO) on an Umpire Managers’ Edition. After an unparalleled career on the pitch, Soledad now shares her experience and keen vision of the game with the next generation of FIH stars and a torrent of talent back […]
Half Court Press Podcast: The Whistleblowers Ep. 6
I sit down in the virtual sense with Tao Macleod to tell the most awkward stories from my umpiring career and share all the things I’m trying to do with FHumpires. Listen here…
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 17 with David Ellcock
It’s time to celebrate and learn more about our technical brethren on #UmpireAtHome, and there’s no better person than David Ellcock to bring the family together. A former top National League umpire, David knows all about the crucial relationship between officials and umpires. He’s also ready to tell us all kinds of spine-chilling stories of […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 16 with Michelle Joubert
Rio Olympic gold medal umpire Michelle Joubert visits #UmpireAtHome next. We’ll make our way through her work during last year’s Pro League matchup between GBR v AUS at Lee Valley, and check in on topics like cards, fitness and why the set-up in SA produces so many top-flight whistlers! 📅 Facebook Live: June 6 14.00 […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 15 with Simon Mason
If you believe as I do that commentators have a massive role in presenting the game and how umpires are calling it, then you’re not going to want to miss this episode. Simon Mason, retired GB Olympian and ENG goalkeeper and commentating superstar, will explore his approach to intertwining his playing experience, umpiring knowledge and […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 14 with Ali Keogh
We’re back with our #thirdteam peeps as we welcome Irish superstar Ali Keogh to #UmpireAtHome. Ali is going to lead us through a 2019 Pro League match between Belgium and New Zealand, dissecting the challenges she faced with some tough decisions, coach relationships and striking the right balance in management. We’ll also answer the important […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 13 with Adam Commens
We’ve had a top-level international player on #UmpireAtHome so it’s time to hear from the coaches, and what a representative we have! Adam Commens, High-Performance Director of Hockey Belgium is on deck to delight and challenge the #thirdteam on topics like the 5m rule on free hits, penalty corner variations, screening routes and much, much […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 12 with Ayanna McClean
In every #UmpireAtHome episode we spend a good chunk of time talking about video referral and the role of the video umpire in top-level matches. So why not do a whole show on it? Thanks to Ayanna McClean 🇹🇹 and her brilliant idea, we’re going to do just that in Ep. 12! Make sure you […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 11 with Thomas Briels
Have you ever wanted to know what a top player thinks about umpiring and how it affects the game? 🙋♀️ We shift gears in a major way for Ep. 11 of #UmpireAtHome as none other than World Cup Champion and captain of the Belgian Red Lions 🇧🇪, Thomas Briels, will share his thoughts and answer […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 10 with Adam Kearns
The #UmpireAtHome series continues with Ep. 10 where we get to enjoy the company of Aussie Golden Whistle holder Adam Kearns. Not one to hold back, Kearnsy is going to take us through a hot NZLvESP match-up from his perspective, so get ready for some amazing honesty and blunt self-reflection. Don’t forget, every episode of […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 9 with Lim Hong Zhen
For Ep. 9 of #UmpireAtHome I can’t wait to settle down for a couple of hours of insight and mimosas (don’t judge, I’m quarancoping just fine, thanks) with the wonderful Lim Hong Zhen 🇸🇬. We’ll be working through the astonishing #AUSvNED matchup from Feb 2, 2019 in Melbourne…you will not want to miss this! (But […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 8 with Aleisha Neumann
For #UmpireAtHome Ep. 8 we dive into the weird and secretive world of hockey in China as Aleisha Neumann 🇦🇺 shares behind-the-scenes tales from the emotional Olympic Qualifying decider against Belgium. It’s going to be a doozy, so make sure you have your questions ready (right beside a glass of fine Aussie Shiraz)! 📝🍷 📅 […]
Coach Chat #AMA With The Umpires
In these special times with all of the world having to #stayhome in order to #staysafe and live with #socialdistancing we thought it would be a good idea to ramp up our efforts and try and provide you hockey coaches out there with a weekly Coach Chat. So we present the #AMA series of Coach […]
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 7 with Sarah Wilson
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 7 welcomes Sarah Wilson 🏴, sharing the scintillating #FIHProLeague Grand Final championship match between NEDvAUS in Amstelveen. On-the-fly translation services available on request!*⠀ 📅 April 18 14.00 GMT⠀ 🏑 🇳🇱 v 🇦🇺 🏆 💻 https://fih.live/view/event/51842 📋 https://tms.fih.ch/matches/12808 *Just kidding, no one can translate from Scottish. You’re on your own.
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 6 with David Tomlinson
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 6 features David Tomlinson 🇳🇿, leading us through last year’s ESP 🇪🇸 v ARG 🇦🇷 #FIHProLeague encounter in Valencia. Don’t miss it!⠀ 📅 April 15 6.00 GMT⠀ 📹 http://fih.live/view/event/48400⠀ 📋 https://tms.fih.ch/matches/12718 #thirdteam #FacebookLive #alwayslearning #hilaritywillensue
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 5 ESPvFRA
We’re diving into the Olympic Qualifiers for Episode 5! 🇪🇸 v 🇫🇷 (M) 2019.10.26 Load up the match here: 💻 https://fih.live/view/event/80651 TMS Match Report: 📋 https://tms.fih.ch/matches/13843
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 4 NZLvGBR
🇳🇿 v 🇬🇧 (W) 2020.02.09 💻 https://fih.live/view/event/90828 Remember to have your FIH.live match cued up at ready to go as you’ll be watching that in one window, chatting and listening to the FB Live in another.
#UmpireAtHome Ep. 3 NEDvBEL
🇳🇱 v 🇧🇪 (W) 2019.06.09 💻 https://fih.live/view/event/47780 Today we’ll break down this complex Pro League match from season 1 between the Netherlands and Belgium women. Make sure you cue up the match on FIH.live in another window and follow the cues so you can follow along!
The 2019 Rules of Hockey Deconstructed
Happy New Rulebook! ?? In the past, I’ve done a line-by-line sequential deconstruction of the changes. This time I’m mixing it up, grouping them by subject, and talking about their impact as a whole, with a healthy sprinkling of sass. Because you’re worth it. BYE-BYE PWGKP Centered in Rule 2.2, the FIH has abolished (by way […]
Totally ProLeague Ep. #11
I’m at it again with TPL host John Lee for episode 11 as the Dutch warm up and GB men leap to the top. Subscribe to The Reverse Stick’s #globalhockeypodcast to get all episodes of Totally ProLeague and The Reverse Stick!
You Know What Grinds My Gears?
You, America! Sorry, got carried away with my Family Guy reference. But yes, I’m grumpy. There’s a lot of distressing tales emerging on the umpiring front, and it’s time to vent. England Hockey Gives No Quarter With Quarters One of the most contentious changes the FIH is trying to push through in the new 2019 […]
Totally ProLeague Ep. #8
I join TPL host John Lee for episode 8 as the Americas take centre stage and the table starts to take shape. Subscribe to The Reverse Stick’s #globalhockeypodcast to get all episodes of Totally ProLeague and The Reverse Stick!
Giving Hockey The Blues In Belgium: Fair Play Cards Miss The Mark
Last week on social media the Royal Belgium Hockey Association, which governs the top domestic club competition in the country, announced a new initiative to assist in the promotion of fair play. The response on the platforms, in true social media style, was a mix between ? and ?. There isn’t a hockey person around […]
Talk Hockey Radio – Episode 3: The One with the World Cup review, the FIH rules for 2019 and a very special guest host
Not a personal appearance but the fine folks at THR took some time in this episode to discuss the issues around the #FIHcopyfight. Find the full episode and all the THR podcasts here.
The Reverse Stick #globalhockeypodcast Ep. #75
Then there’s this amazing The Reverse Stick Podcast episode where John and Matt ask me some tough questions about the #FIHcopyfight but I love them anyway. For those who are anxious to hear me put on my Wonder Woman bracelets, try scrolling to 22:25. But please listen to the whole thing, subscribe and let the […]
Copyfight Ep. 2: That Time All The Things Happened
Hey, friends. It’s been a tumultuous few weeks and I’m not going to lie: I’ve been completely overwhelmed. First off, wonderfully, with all of the support and encouragement I’ve received from all of you both publicly and privately. I’ve kept a lot of screenshots, and when I’ve felt a little down and discouraged (read: sobbing […]
#askFHU 3: Ball placement on free hits
Ball placement: what’s up with that? Is it the location or the timing? In this #askFHU Keely Dunn mulls over when we should care and why, thanks to the question asked by The Reverse Stick’s John Lee and Matt Allan. Resources: The Reverse Stick Global Hockey Podcast The Reverse Stick on the Socials: Facebook Twitter […]
Copyfight Episode 1: #FIHcopyfight
After years of posting news, resources, and appointments, the one piece of feedback I kept hearing from umpires around the world were really looking for was the ability to view, analyse and discuss actual match footage. I heard you, friends. So over the past year, I’ve been posting edited clips on social media from various […]
Don’t You Go A’Changin’, Hockey
Hockey has an image problem: very few people look at its images. For the incredible reach and accessibility to the sport on a global scale, high participation numbers, natural ability to be scaled for any age group and a variety of abilities, nobody actually watches it get played. Unlike sports like football (soccer), cricket, rugby, […]
#askFHU Episode 1: That time a goalkeeper dropped their stick
I like the PC+YC in this situation, and here’s why.
Rule 10.3 allows the GK to do all their fun goal-defending things like kicking the ball, using their blockers and body and so on, but ONLY while they’re holding their stick. He dropped it, so he just can’t play the ball.
World Cup Preview: #thirdteam
In the Edition 6 of the HWN, we took you down the long and obscure path towards understanding the new FIH pathway in umpiring. You all read that article forwards and backwards twice, right? It will come as no surprise to you that this article is a natural segue as we will be reviewing one […]
International Umpiring Gets Pro-Leagued
You thought all was quiet on the umpiring front, didn’t you? We’ve had the same rules in place since the beginning of 2017 (so Sept. 1, 2016, given that the rules get released in advance of the European/UK outdoor seasons to avoid troubling them with the need to adapt mid-season). Not even a minor mid-term […]
The VU: 10 Years of Progress and a Long Way To Go
*Author gives a long blast on the whistle, crosses her arms overhead and slow draws a box in the air. She pats her chest.* “Hi Hockey World News, this is a self-referral. I’d like to know if there’s any reason why we can’t continue with video umpiring.” *Disembodied voice sounds from parts unknown* “I’ll have […]
Subscribe to the #GC2018 FHU Calendar
Want all the #GC2018 matches on your calendar but too lazy to add them all yourself? I feel you. Subscribe to the FHumpires webcal and get them all in your calendar app with a couple of clicks (and remove them all just as easily!) Time zone encoded and EVERYTHING. There will also be little nuggets for […]
Selling Out The Umpire To Sell Hockey
No umpires, no game. We’re in a crisis. At this stage of global hockey development, participant numbers in many jurisdictions like the UK and Argentina are exploding, the game is reaching new corners of the world and variations in the game which increase accessibility to people who previously couldn’t participate. However, one component of hockey […]
Tackling The Slide: Why Lucky Isn’t Safe
The Odisha crowd was pulsating with excitement despite the cyclonic weather conditions pelting Kalinga Stadium. Their Indian men’s team had just come off a thrilling shoot-out victory in the quarterfinal of the Hockey World League Finals to knock out the favoured Belgian Red Lions and were now facing the Olympic champions, Los Leones of Argentina […]
The Reverse Stick #globalhockeypodcast Ep. #21
My debut appearance on The Reverse Stick where Matt Alan, John Lee and I explore how one goes from being a thoroughly mediocre player to a fairly decent international umpire, the oddities of growing up in an isolated and small hockey community and where has the flair in umpiring gone? My segment starts at 24:46, […]
Attacking Free Push Off the Boards
Our local CLFHA indoor competition got underway Sunday, and as per usual, we are all pretty rusty on indoor rules! In particular, a few questions came out of the day of matches regarding free pushes from inside the attacking half, and when can the team play the ball off the boards into the circle legally. As always, start […]
Professionalism Without Pay: The Modern Umpire’s Catch-22
In February 2017, long-time and now-retired Kookaburra Simon Orchard published a scathing op-ed lambasting top-level umpires who “severely lack the ability to consistently apply, enforce or define” the rules of the game. Seven months later, the Irish Hockey Umpires Association withholds their services to competitions in their country including their premier EYHL. These two incidents […]
HWL Semi-Finals Debrief
After the action in London, Brussels and Johannesburg, most tongues are wagging about the fascinating results produced by teams such as the Italian women, or the Belgian and Indian men (all for different reasons). However, real hockey nerds are talking about the umpires. As is appropriate for the third team, we’ll review three major stories […]
Why Middleton’s Goal Was Legal (Even Though I Wish It Wasn’t)
As a career umpire, I’ve developed the skill of watching a match with an impartial eye. An essential skill, I believed, so I could be as accurate and fair as possible on the pitch. A few years ago, I had become so proficient at my detachment, I actually outright lost my passion for the game. […]
June FIH Upgrades
While we hold our collective breaths waiting for the madness that will be #Rio, we have (at least) one more upgrade list for our congratulatory missives. A hearty well done to all!
