How does the video referral work in hockey?
I · Intermediate · Who decides, and what is unfair play? · 21 of 21Where a video umpire is used, each team gets one referral in normal time, plus one in a shoot-out. It can ask the umpire to check a goal, penalty stroke or penalty corner decision inside a 23-metre area. If the referral succeeds, or the video cannot decide, the team keeps it. If not, it is gone.
How it works
Team referrals:
- One per team in normal time and one during a shoot-out.
- For decisions inside the 23-metre areas about the award or refusal of goals, penalty strokes and penalty corners, and in a shoot-out whether an attempt should be taken again.
- Cards cannot be referred.
- Any player on the field at the time asks straight away with a T signal, and has 20 seconds to say what should be checked. If they don't, the last such decision is checked.
- Upheld, or "no advice possible": the team keeps its referral. No clear reason to change: the team loses it.
Umpire referrals:
- The umpires can refer goals, penalty strokes and serious misconduct anywhere on the field whenever they are unsure.
For both:
- The video umpire looks at replays and gives advice. The final decision stays with the on-field umpire.
- If the footage cannot settle it, the original decision stands. If no decision had been given, it is no goal, no penalty stroke or no misconduct.
- No substitutions during the stoppage.
- Referrals are not allowed as a result of protests or pressure from players or coaches.
Tricky cases
Can a team refer a green or yellow card?
No. Personal penalties cannot be the subject of a team referral. Umpires can refer serious misconduct themselves.
Can a team refer a free hit in midfield?
No. Team referrals are only for goals, penalty strokes and penalty corners inside the 23-metre areas.
Does the team lose its referral if the video is unclear?
No. "No advice possible" leaves the referral with the team.
Is there video review in every hockey match?
No. It is used only at FIH events with the television coverage and facilities to support it.
Why the rule exists
It corrects clear mistakes on the decisions that decide matches. The limit of one lost referral stops teams using it to break up the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH events with a video umpire | As above | TR 14; App 17 |
| Other matches | No video referral | H Introduction ("Playing rules in international matches") |
From the rule book
FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Regulation 14 and Appendix 17, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).