Re: Question for umpires

"J & D MacPherson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> Hello...
> 
> I'd like to find out if any umpires or other FH officials participate in
> this group. Its a bit of a long story, but I've been asked to consider
> umpiring. (My daughter plays, I've done some youth FH goalkeeper coaching,
> and I have soccer officiating experience.) I have read both the indoor and
> outdoor FIH rules, but I run across odd interpretations for which I'd like
> to get others' opinions. Here's one:
> 
> Indoor - I saw two goals disallowed yesterday for the same thing. A legal
> shot is taken, the ball deflects off a defender's foot, and crosses the goal
> line for an apparent score. The umpire disallows the goal and awards a
> penalty corner. Was this correct?
> 
> I looked to Rule 11-"Scoring a goal", and part C reads:
> 
> "c. the ball may be played by or touch the stick or body of a defender
> before or after being played in the circle by an attacker"
> 
> I interpret the two plays as legal goals. If the shot was clearly going to
> be a goal and the defender stopped it with a foot, then I might consider a
> corner, but more likely a penalty stroke if I felt the shot was clearly to
> be a goal.
> 
> (The team lost by one goal.)
> 
> I look forward to all comments. Thanks very much.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Don MacPherson



It's hard for me to give an opinion without being there and seeing the
play.  As far as I'm concerned a lot of the field hockey rules and
regulations are in place for safety reasons, along with fairness.

I was at the USFHA Festival in Indio, CA ... this weekend and witness
spectators and players being upset by calls made by the referees.   It
is truly a hard job and in field hockey can be a bit subjective,
especially in regards to "dangerous plays".  It is very hard to "read
intent" as a player hits the ball with strength and speed.  But I, as
a parent, hope the referees are siding on the side of safety ... even
in the questionable calls, to let the players on both sides know - NOT
to repeat an action. For example: a player flies through the air
landing stretched out on the ground full length to hit a spectacular
hit ... this player, other than the goalie is not properly dressed (no
padding, for the inevidable possibility of being trampled on)legal
perhaps, but safe ... "I" don't believe so.

I want the players to remain healthy to play another day.   

Just my thoughts on the matter.


PS:  My daughter's team went undefeated and a good time was had by
all.  If any of you ever get a chance to attend one of the festival,
next year Florida, please do  ... very energetic atmosphere.