Level III Hockey Coaching Course

Karnataka State Hockey Association, Bangalore
Conducted from April 16, 2003 to June 28, 2003

Class 1	Class 2	Class 4		Class 4	Class 5	Class 6
Umpiring By K. Krishnamurthy and M. P. Gokulraj				Shri K. Krishnamurthy is an FIH Grade I Umpire, and the Honorary Secretary of the Karnataka State Hockey Association. He was the manager of the Indian team that won its first ever Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur in September 2003. Shri M. P. Gokulraj is a National Umpire, and is associated with the Karnataka State Hockey Association, Bangalore.
Class 7	Class 8	Class 9		Class 10	Class 11	Class 12

ROLE OF COACHES VIS-A-VIS UMPIRES (K. Krishnamurthy)

While a coach should have knowledge of the rules of hockey, unless the interpretations of the rules are fully understood and familiarised, the coach (and the player) would develop a tendency to fume. To avoid such situations, a coach should develop a good understanding by frequent reading of the Rules Book, and by attending the Umpires Clinics.

Understanding the rules would help in  exploiting them to the team's advantage. One may pose questions that require an understanding the rules and its interpretations, this help in the coaching of the players.

To err is human – hence, a coach should not fuss for minor errors in the umpires' decisions. A coach should also refrain from commenting on decisions of umpires where they are using the discretionary power given to them.

A coach should desist from questioning the umpires' decisions, and should learn to accept it in a right perspective. The coach should not make any adverse comments against umpires. That may send a wrong signal to the players who are on and off the field to indulge in misconduct and themselves question the decisions of the umpires. Never join in the chorus of players' protests – instead try to assuage their displeasure and encourage them to go on with the game. Keep in mind that the coach is a guide and teacher to the players, and act accordingly.

Exhibiting abundant patience, tolerance and refrain will help the coaches to stride forward in their career progression.

A coach should develop a good rapport and smooth working relationship with umpires – never see him to be your opponent. A coach should believe in an umpire’s competence and capabilities. Please bear in mind that no umpire will indulge in wanton and deliberate bias. Errors or wrong decisions occur either unintentionally or due to unsightedness.

Persistent querying of the decisions of the umpires will lead to low confidence in the umpires, and that will result in inconsistent umpiring. Hail good decisions of the umpires with encouraging words.

Remember that an umpire will always desire to have a good relationship with the players, coaches and managers of various teams.

As a coach, be a good leader and adopt a positive attitude towards the umpires, and they will reciprocate the same. On the other hand, a cynical approach of the coach to the decisions of the umpires will only lead to unfavourable results, and overall will jeopardise the interests of the team.

Never approach the technical table with grievances while the match is in progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COACH (M. P. Gokulraj)

Technical

• Collect the Tournament fixtures well in advance.
   
• Note the timings and ground.
   
• Go through the tournament rules and regulations carefully.
   
• Be at the ground with the team 30 minutes before the start of the match.
   
• Report to the officials' table 15 minutes before the start of the match.
   
• Hand over the players list with correct shirt numbers.
   
• Be seated on the bench with the manager in the first place, followed by the coach, the doctor and then the substitute players.
   
• The coach must carry with him/her a stopwatch, pad, pen and a Rules Book.
   
• First aid box will be available on the ground, but spray and band-aid should be with the team doctor in case of any emergency.
   
• The manager and the coach are responsible for the discipline of the substitute players on the bench. For any breach by them, the coach or manager are liable for warning/punishment by the umpire or technical officials from the table.
   
• For any injury/substitution, the manager is permitted to enter the field.
   
• In the case of injuries, only the doctor is permitted to attend to the injured player.

Lodging a Protest

• If the manager/coach wish to lodge a protest, they can do so by informing the technical table that the team is playing under protest, and to record the same.
   
• At the end of the match, if they want to file a protest, they should give a protest letter addressed to the tournament's Organising Secretary within one hour of the conclusion of the match, along with the protest fee.
   
• At no point can a manager/coach or the players manhandle/abuse the umpire or the technical table officials.

Please remember that umpires are also concerned and interested in the development of the great game of hockey as much as you do.