A day in a life: umpires

While mostly everyone’s focus during the Hockey World League here in Antwerp has been turned to the team and players as they strive for a ticket to Rio, we cannot forget about the third team on the pitch during these games: the umpires. During these matches there is a total of four umpires per game: two on the pitch, one video umpire, and one reserve umpire. Each pitch umpire works one game per day to make sure that they are fresh and focused for every game that they work; this includes the reserve umpire. Video umpires, however, work two games a day although never back-to-back games. When pitch umpires are not overseeing a match they tend to refresh and relax at their hotel. Video umpires can usually be found in the A4 stands catching the matches they are not working.

Coen van Bunge, one of the video umpires here in Antwerp, said that being a video umpire is stressful because when players and pitch umpires disagree it falls to them to make the decision. Sometimes video umpires may not have the correct angles when they review a play or the right footage but, more often than not they are able to make a quick decision. Being on the pitch, it is important for an umpire to cooperate with the players to an extent so that the players trust and accept the decisions the umpire makes. When an umpire is in reserve they are there just in case a pitch umpire is injured as well as to make sure the umpires on the pitch have water and anything else they need to remain focused for the match.

There is a real sense of community among umpires. As an umpire you tend to run into the same umpires in other countries and at different tournaments, which inevitably leads to the forming of friendships. These friendships allow umpires to learn from each other and become better with each game that they work. Coen said he is enjoying being a video umpire because he gets to see all the other umpires work their games and learn from them. Umpires, just like the players and fans, love hockey that’s why they are here! Respect them : without them, there’s no game…