Who controls a hockey match, and what do the signals mean?
I · Intermediate · Who decides, and what is unfair play? · 20 of 21Two umpires control a hockey match, each mainly responsible for one half of the field and for all circle decisions, corners, strokes and goals at that end. They signal decisions with set arm movements. In tournaments, technical officials at a table keep time and manage substitutions and suspensions.
How it works
- Two umpires, one for each half, with the centre-line to their left. They help each other across the line when needed.
- Each decides free hits in the circle, penalty corners, penalty strokes and goals in their half.
- They record goals and cards, make sure the full time is played and must not coach.
- They whistle to start and end quarters, to give penalties, to stop and restart time, for goals and to stop play for any other reason.
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| One arm straight up, facing the other umpire | Start time |
| Arms crossed above the head | Stop time |
| Both index fingers up / one finger up | Two minutes / one minute left |
| One arm held out sideways | Free hit or side-line restart, in that direction |
| Both arms out sideways | Ball over the back-line by an attacker |
| Arm drawing a line from the back-line to the 23-metre line | Ball over the back-line by a defender, restart on the 23-metre line |
| Both arms towards the goal | Penalty corner |
| One arm at the spot, the other straight up | Penalty stroke (time stopped) |
| Both arms towards the centre | Goal |
| One arm high and forward | Advantage |
| Forearm across the chest | Dangerous play |
| Hand touching a raised foot | Kick (ball off the body) |
| Palms held flat, one above the other | Raised ball |
| Crossed forearms in front of the chest | Obstruction |
| Crossed forearms opening and closing | Third-party obstruction |
| One arm up, fingers spread | 5-metre distance |
| Hands moving slowly up and down, palms down | Calm down: misconduct or bad temper |
Tricky cases
Can the other umpire give a decision in my half?
Yes. Each umpire has the main responsibility for one half, but they help each other. The rulebook encourages going into the colleague's half when needed.
Can a player argue with the umpire?
No. Abusing umpires, in words or body language, can bring a caution or any card.
Why the rule exists
Hockey is fast and the circle decisions are the ones that decide matches, so each end has its own umpire. Fixed signals let players and spectators see what was given and why.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | Two umpires | H11 |
| FIH tournaments | Technical officials keep time and manage substitutions and suspensions; a video umpire at some events | TR 2, 7, 8; App 1; App 17 |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rule 11 and Umpiring 2 to 4, in force from 1 March 2026; FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Regulations 7 and 8, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF); FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).