Hockey’s video refs get positive response

Published on Friday 3 February 2012 01:14

The FIH women’s Champions Trophy in Rosario is a classic example of how hockey is not afraid to push the boundaries of technology to achieve the correct decision at the top level.

The use of the video umpire has been pioneered in international hockey for a few years now, and while there are still some rough edges to sort out, players, coaches and officials seem united in its positive contribution to the sport.

During the pool stages of the Champions Trophy the video umpire has been called into action on 20 occasions in 12 matches.

There are two kinds of referrals, the match umpire may call on his video colleague if they are not convinced they have made the correct decision in relation to the awarding or disallowing a goal.

Renee Cohen, umpire manager in Rosario, said: “The most important thing is to get the correct decision, the video umpire allows the chance of a double-check whether the correct decision has been made.” In addition, each team is allowed one referral during a match, and any team player on the pitch at the time can request the intervention of the video umpire. If the team referral is upheld, or no decision is possible, the team retains the right to a further request, but it is lost if the video umpire decides against that team’s appeal.

Great Britain coach Danny Kerry is a fan of the new system, but would like to see the operation streamlined.

“I think the idea is right because we want to get the right decision, but I also think it is taking too long for the video decision to come,” said Kerry.

“Coaches and rule-makers should get together to discuss improvements in the process.”

Whilst clearly not perfect yet, the video umpire is here to stay and play a major role in the sport for years to come.

Meamwhile, Edinburgh University bowed out of the British Universities and Colleges Sports Cup when they went down 5-2 to a strong Birmingham University side at Peffermill.

Edinburgh’s goals came from Neil Fulton with a rebound from a penalty corner and Jay Harman just before the end.

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