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Field Hockey Umpires and Officials

Basic information on the signals used by the umpires in a game of field hockey. The game is administered by two umpires whose duties are to enforce the rules as written in the current rule book. The umpires will blow the whistle and then use hand signs to signal their ruling.

Field Hockey Umpires

What are the responsibilities of field hockey umpires?

Field hockey is officiated by two umpires whose job is to enforce the rules as outlined in the official rule book. During play, umpires use a whistle to stop or restart the game and hand signals to communicate their decisions clearly to players, coaches, and spectators.

What equipment do field hockey umpires carry in field hockey?

Umpires carry specific equipment, including a whistle, a 2-inch stick ring used to check whether a player’s stick is legal, and a set of penalty cards. Three types of cards are used to manage player misconduct: green, yellow, and red.

What types of penalty cards are used in field hockey?

A green card is a warning for minor offenses and results in a 2-minute suspension from the game. A yellow card results in a player being temporarily suspended from the game for at least five minutes. A red card is the most serious penalty and means the player is disqualified from the match.

Why is it important to understand umpire hand signals in field hockey?

Understanding umpire hand signals helps players and spectators follow the game more easily and makes watching field hockey more enjoyable.

 

Umpire Hand Signals

Foot - Tapping the raised knee to signal an illegal use of the foot.
Foot
Block Out - Crossing wrists in front of the body.
Block Out
Danger - Placing a hand flat against the chest.
Danger
Penalty Corner - Pointing both arms horizontally toward the goal.
Penalty Corner
5 Yards - Extending an arm with fingers spread flat.
5 Yards
Back Stick - Moving palms in a downward/sweeping motion behind the body.
Back Stick
Penalty Stroke - Pointing one arm straight up and the other horizontally to the side.
Penalty Stroke
Direction -Pointing one arm straight out to indicate attacking direction.
Direction
Obstruction - Holding arms out with forearms bent upward.
Obstruction
Pushing - Moving both hands forward with palms out.
Pushing
Bully - Mimicking a tapping motion with hands facing each other.
Bully
Penalty Cards - Displaying green (warning), yellow (suspension), or red (ejection) cards.
Penalty Cards
LONGSTRETH FIELD HOCKEY
Umpire Reference Sheet © 2026 Longstreth

 

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