Starting Play (The Strike)
Rule 15.1 Starting Play. “The Strike”
Yeah, Yeah, boring, boring we all know how to start play, but do we?
When starting play, players must have their hand on the end line. Most often, the end line is the side of the pool in which case, you start with your hand holding the side of the pool. It’s not ok to be touching the wall with a part of your body under the water. The rules say “hand”, and the hand must be visible to the Chief (deck) ref. If you do not touch the end line visible to the chief ref, then you have committed a breaking infringement.
15.1.1 At the beginning of a match, after half-time, after a goal is scored, or after a Penalty Shot has been played, the starting positions of the players of each team are in the water alongside their respective end-lines, with each player having at least one hand in contact with the end-line. This hand must be visible to the Officials.
When the buzzer sounds both teams can leave the end and try to secure possession of the puck. The puck is not in possession until the referees signal this, by dropping their arms. If a player leaves the sub bench, that player must go to the end line (wall) and touch it with their hand. They can then join play. Once the referees have signaled that “the puck is in possession” by dropping their arms then players may join play directly from the sub bench without having to touch the end line first.
15.1.2 Substitutes from each team shall be in the team’s designated substitution area; and any penalised players shall be in the designated penalty box (see rule 17.3.1.2).
15.1.3 From the moment the Chief Referee gives the signal for play to start until the moment the puck becomes “in possession”, all players, including the substitutes, who enter the match must start play as per rule 15.1.1. After the puck becomes ‘in possession,’ players entering the match from their substitution area may enter directly into play and shall enter the water by the rule governing the substitution method in use: deck, in-water, or end-line.
When a goal is scored, players have up to 30 seconds from the time the goal is scored to get back to their start of play positions. 30 seconds feels like a long time in a game of hockey, If the players are ready before the 30 seconds is up, then the chief ref can sound the buzzer to restart play. The ref should not sound the buzzer unless either the players are ready, or, the 30 seconds has expired.
15.1.6 The Chief Referee will re-start play when the scoring team is ready or thirty (30) seconds after a goal has been scored, whichever occurs sooner. No thirty (30) second warning shall be given. 15.1.6.1 Should play be re-started for any reason before all players have reached their starting end of the playing area, they must do so before re-entering play. The hand touching the end wall must be visible to the Chief Referee.
Don’t forget to place your hand on the wall when you are ready. Once a goal has been scored, Chief referees should take note of the court time, so they know when the 30 seconds has expired. A goal has not been scored until it is signalled by the Chief Ref.
We are soon to resume of our Hobart hockey comp so it’s a good time to remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave (Chief Ref TUHA)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Rule 15.1 Starting Play. “The Strike”
Yeah, Yeah, boring, boring we all know how to start play, but do we?
When starting play, players must have their hand on the end line. Most often, the end line is the side of the pool in which case, you start with your hand holding the side of the pool. It’s not ok to be touching the wall with a part of your body under the water. The rules say “hand”, and the hand must be visible to the Chief (deck) ref. If you do not touch the end line visible to the chief ref, then you have committed a breaking infringement.
15.1.1 At the beginning of a match, after half-time, after a goal is scored, or after a Penalty Shot has been played, the starting positions of the players of each team are in the water alongside their respective end-lines, with each player having at least one hand in contact with the end-line. This hand must be visible to the Officials.
When the buzzer sounds both teams can leave the end and try to secure possession of the puck. The puck is not in possession until the referees signal this, by dropping their arms. If a player leaves the sub bench, that player must go to the end line (wall) and touch it with their hand. They can then join play. Once the referees have signaled that “the puck is in possession” by dropping their arms then players may join play directly from the sub bench without having to touch the end line first.
15.1.2 Substitutes from each team shall be in the team’s designated substitution area; and any penalised players shall be in the designated penalty box (see rule 17.3.1.2).
15.1.3 From the moment the Chief Referee gives the signal for play to start until the moment the puck becomes “in possession”, all players, including the substitutes, who enter the match must start play as per rule 15.1.1. After the puck becomes ‘in possession,’ players entering the match from their substitution area may enter directly into play and shall enter the water by the rule governing the substitution method in use: deck, in-water, or end-line.
When a goal is scored, players have up to 30 seconds from the time the goal is scored to get back to their start of play positions. 30 seconds feels like a long time in a game of hockey, If the players are ready before the 30 seconds is up, then the chief ref can sound the buzzer to restart play. The ref should not sound the buzzer unless either the players are ready, or, the 30 seconds has expired.
15.1.6 The Chief Referee will re-start play when the scoring team is ready or thirty (30) seconds after a goal has been scored, whichever occurs sooner. No thirty (30) second warning shall be given. 15.1.6.1 Should play be re-started for any reason before all players have reached their starting end of the playing area, they must do so before re-entering play. The hand touching the end wall must be visible to the Chief Referee.
Don’t forget to place your hand on the wall when you are ready. Once a goal has been scored, Chief referees should take note of the court time, so they know when the 30 seconds has expired. A goal has not been scored until it is signalled by the Chief Ref.
We are soon to resume of our Hobart hockey comp so it’s a good time to remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave (Chief Ref TUHA)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Delay of Game. - Part 2
16.2 Delay of Game - Part 2
The other aspect of game delay covered in the rules is
16.2.3 If a player flicks the puck out of bounds, the Referee will stop play and award an advantage puck to the nonoffending team. The offending team shall receive a caution (1st infringement) and the offending player shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them (2nd and subsequent infringements). If the stick or body of an opponent deflects a puck after it has been flicked and then goes out of bounds, this will not be considered a delay of game infringement. If a puck is deflected by the stick or body of a teammate after it has been flicked, and then goes out of bounds, this will not be considered a delay of game infringement unless, in the opinion of the referee, the deflection was an intentional manoeuvre to stall or delay the game. In the case of such an intentional deflection, if the offending team has already received a team caution for the offense, the player who deflected the puck out of bounds shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them, while the player who flicked the puck shall not receive a penalty. If one or more players from the offending team are serving penalty time at the time the puck is deflected out of bounds, the referee may be permitted to assume that the out of bounds deflection was an intentional delay-of game manoeuvre.
This one is simple. A player seeks to delay the game by deliberately flicking the puck out of bounds. Usually this happens when a team is under pressure and needs a break in play to organize themselves. Or, they have players in the bin and they seek to minimize playing time while they are short of numbers. The other aspect of this rule is when a player deliberately deflects a flick out of bounds. The decision you must make as a referee is, was the flick or deflection deliberate. Only you can make that decision but it is usually obvious.
One more thing.......
The delay of game rule is unusual because it specifies the penalty. In almost all other rules the penalty for infringement is at the discretion of the referees. There is a table of infringements and suggested appropriate penalties in the rules but these are a guide and ultimately penalties are up to the referees who make decisions based on context and severity. In a delay of game infringement the first offence requires referees to award an advantage puck and a caution against the offending team. This caution should take the form of a warning from the referees to the offending team, stating that further delay of game infringements will result in a 1 minute time penalty (sin bin). Then if there is further infringements a 1 minute sin bin will be given against the offending player. This is an important and well considered aspect of the rule. Delay of game infringements often occur when tensions are running high. There is a risk that when the other team realises their time is being wasted, tempers may flare. It is important that these infringements are managed consistently. So, be aware. and manage it.
When I say "manage", it is crucial referees communicate their signals clearly, and ensure the specified penalties are imposed. If the timing system allows and it’s in the last 2 minutes of a game, a quick look at the game clock to check that game time has been paused or, if not, consider calling a refs time out, in order to negate any time wasting while the teams reset for an advantage puck or look to waste time while they have players in the sin bin.
If this all seems a bit intimidating, then relax. This is not a common infringement but if you do encounter it you will now know what you are seeing and what to do when you see it. I hope! If you can’t follow my meandering explanation please let me know. I’ll try and turn my explanation into a flow chart or, something.
Stay well and remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Ref)
16.2 Delay of Game - Part 2
The other aspect of game delay covered in the rules is
16.2.3 If a player flicks the puck out of bounds, the Referee will stop play and award an advantage puck to the nonoffending team. The offending team shall receive a caution (1st infringement) and the offending player shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them (2nd and subsequent infringements). If the stick or body of an opponent deflects a puck after it has been flicked and then goes out of bounds, this will not be considered a delay of game infringement. If a puck is deflected by the stick or body of a teammate after it has been flicked, and then goes out of bounds, this will not be considered a delay of game infringement unless, in the opinion of the referee, the deflection was an intentional manoeuvre to stall or delay the game. In the case of such an intentional deflection, if the offending team has already received a team caution for the offense, the player who deflected the puck out of bounds shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them, while the player who flicked the puck shall not receive a penalty. If one or more players from the offending team are serving penalty time at the time the puck is deflected out of bounds, the referee may be permitted to assume that the out of bounds deflection was an intentional delay-of game manoeuvre.
This one is simple. A player seeks to delay the game by deliberately flicking the puck out of bounds. Usually this happens when a team is under pressure and needs a break in play to organize themselves. Or, they have players in the bin and they seek to minimize playing time while they are short of numbers. The other aspect of this rule is when a player deliberately deflects a flick out of bounds. The decision you must make as a referee is, was the flick or deflection deliberate. Only you can make that decision but it is usually obvious.
One more thing.......
The delay of game rule is unusual because it specifies the penalty. In almost all other rules the penalty for infringement is at the discretion of the referees. There is a table of infringements and suggested appropriate penalties in the rules but these are a guide and ultimately penalties are up to the referees who make decisions based on context and severity. In a delay of game infringement the first offence requires referees to award an advantage puck and a caution against the offending team. This caution should take the form of a warning from the referees to the offending team, stating that further delay of game infringements will result in a 1 minute time penalty (sin bin). Then if there is further infringements a 1 minute sin bin will be given against the offending player. This is an important and well considered aspect of the rule. Delay of game infringements often occur when tensions are running high. There is a risk that when the other team realises their time is being wasted, tempers may flare. It is important that these infringements are managed consistently. So, be aware. and manage it.
When I say "manage", it is crucial referees communicate their signals clearly, and ensure the specified penalties are imposed. If the timing system allows and it’s in the last 2 minutes of a game, a quick look at the game clock to check that game time has been paused or, if not, consider calling a refs time out, in order to negate any time wasting while the teams reset for an advantage puck or look to waste time while they have players in the sin bin.
If this all seems a bit intimidating, then relax. This is not a common infringement but if you do encounter it you will now know what you are seeing and what to do when you see it. I hope! If you can’t follow my meandering explanation please let me know. I’ll try and turn my explanation into a flow chart or, something.
Stay well and remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Ref)
Delay of Game - Part 1
Infringement 16.2
This infringement is usually seen when a team holds the puck in one of the corners (The corner rule) or by deliberately flicking the puck out of bounds. These rules are an attempt to remove an unfair advantage which may be gained by using the rules and court boundaries to waste playing time.
“The corner rule” comes into effect when the puck is deliberately held in the corner by 2 players from the same team in succession. What does that mean? I hear you ask. Well, firstly.....
16.2.2 The "corner" is defined as that part of the playing area bounded by the side and end walls (or side and end lines) and a circular arc of 1-metre radius whose centre is at the intersection (or projected intersection in the case of a curved corner) of the side and end walls (or side and end lines). There are four such 'corners' in a single playing area, and a delay of game penalty (see Rule 16.2.2.1) may be incurred by either team in any of these four corners.
16.2.2.1 If two members of the same team hold the puck in a corner in succession with neither player making an obvious attempt to manoeuvre the puck out of the corner OR a player from the opposing team taking possession of the puck, the Referee will stop play and award an advantage puck to the non-offending team. The offending team shall receive a caution (1st infringement) and for all subsequent infringements the second player to hold the puck in the corner shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them.
Let me try to talk you through it.
A black player takes the puck into a corner and holds it there. A second black player moves in, takes over and holds the puck in the corner. The corner rule now comes into effect. The second black player must make an obvious attempt to get the puck out of the corner in order for general play to continue. The rule does not specify a time limit for player number 2. In theory they can take as long as they want so long as they are holding the puck, but, they must try to manoeuvre the puck out of the corner before they surface. The puck is not deemed to have left the corner until it has moved out of the 1m radius from the corner. Player 2 can swim the puck out of the corner and then turn around and swim back into the same or another corner which means, of course, everything resets and we start again. Player 2 becomes player 1 and can hold it in the corner as long as possible blah blah blah……
Sitting in the corner and doing a tricky under body push pull doesn’t count as an “obvious attempt to manoeuvre” the puck out of the corner.
Also, if at any time, white gets possession, even for a second, then the rule resets. I mean possession not just a touch.
Why does this matter? If a team can hold the puck in the corner then good luck to them. I hear you say.
If a player is holding the puck in the corner, they can adopt a position which makes it impossible for an opposing player to legally take possession of the puck without committing a barging and/or stick infringement. Remember first contact must always be the puck. In this case, white cannot legally push black off the puck or reach in and hook the puck out. It just can’t be done. So, in a worst case scenario, a team can play for a draw by holding the puck in the corner for a whole match. This rule is an attempt to prevent this from happening.
I think that’s enough for now. I’ll run through the rest next time.
Stay safe, I’ll see you at the pool soon and Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards,
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Ref)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Infringement 16.2
This infringement is usually seen when a team holds the puck in one of the corners (The corner rule) or by deliberately flicking the puck out of bounds. These rules are an attempt to remove an unfair advantage which may be gained by using the rules and court boundaries to waste playing time.
“The corner rule” comes into effect when the puck is deliberately held in the corner by 2 players from the same team in succession. What does that mean? I hear you ask. Well, firstly.....
16.2.2 The "corner" is defined as that part of the playing area bounded by the side and end walls (or side and end lines) and a circular arc of 1-metre radius whose centre is at the intersection (or projected intersection in the case of a curved corner) of the side and end walls (or side and end lines). There are four such 'corners' in a single playing area, and a delay of game penalty (see Rule 16.2.2.1) may be incurred by either team in any of these four corners.
16.2.2.1 If two members of the same team hold the puck in a corner in succession with neither player making an obvious attempt to manoeuvre the puck out of the corner OR a player from the opposing team taking possession of the puck, the Referee will stop play and award an advantage puck to the non-offending team. The offending team shall receive a caution (1st infringement) and for all subsequent infringements the second player to hold the puck in the corner shall have a 1-minute time penalty awarded against them.
Let me try to talk you through it.
A black player takes the puck into a corner and holds it there. A second black player moves in, takes over and holds the puck in the corner. The corner rule now comes into effect. The second black player must make an obvious attempt to get the puck out of the corner in order for general play to continue. The rule does not specify a time limit for player number 2. In theory they can take as long as they want so long as they are holding the puck, but, they must try to manoeuvre the puck out of the corner before they surface. The puck is not deemed to have left the corner until it has moved out of the 1m radius from the corner. Player 2 can swim the puck out of the corner and then turn around and swim back into the same or another corner which means, of course, everything resets and we start again. Player 2 becomes player 1 and can hold it in the corner as long as possible blah blah blah……
Sitting in the corner and doing a tricky under body push pull doesn’t count as an “obvious attempt to manoeuvre” the puck out of the corner.
Also, if at any time, white gets possession, even for a second, then the rule resets. I mean possession not just a touch.
Why does this matter? If a team can hold the puck in the corner then good luck to them. I hear you say.
If a player is holding the puck in the corner, they can adopt a position which makes it impossible for an opposing player to legally take possession of the puck without committing a barging and/or stick infringement. Remember first contact must always be the puck. In this case, white cannot legally push black off the puck or reach in and hook the puck out. It just can’t be done. So, in a worst case scenario, a team can play for a draw by holding the puck in the corner for a whole match. This rule is an attempt to prevent this from happening.
I think that’s enough for now. I’ll run through the rest next time.
Stay safe, I’ll see you at the pool soon and Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards,
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Ref)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Illegal Use of Free Arm
Infringement 16.3.19
Well, we’ve all been “free armed” and most of us have been penalised for using it. But what is a “free arm”? Simply, it is using your free arm to gain an unfair advantage. Your free arm is the arm not holding a stick, of course. Your free arm can be used intentionally to gain an advantage by holding, pushing or pulling an opposition player. We all use our free arms during play to turn, manoeuvre and to desperately pull ourselves through the water but just because we’re flailing our arm around and we contact another player we have not necessarily “illegally used our free arm”. What was the intent of the arm ‘flailer’ and did they gain an unfair advantage? Or, was another player unfairly disadvantaged? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then stop the game and award an advantage puck to the dis-advantagee. (strangely, spellcheck doesn’t recognise this word :-). Assessing the player’s intent is very important when making decisions as a referee in all sports. The video clearly demonstrates the intent of the offending player. In both cases, they certainly meant to use their free arm to gain an advantage. Intent can be described as “what was the players intention?”. Did they mean to do it, as in the video or was it an accident? I will post some guidance on intent and advantage down the track. And if you see anything as blatant as the video, then throw them out; for 2 min at least maybe for 5min in A grade.
Don’t forget, as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
I hope you are staying well and hopefully the pool will reopen soon.
Regards
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Referee)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Infringement 16.3.19
Well, we’ve all been “free armed” and most of us have been penalised for using it. But what is a “free arm”? Simply, it is using your free arm to gain an unfair advantage. Your free arm is the arm not holding a stick, of course. Your free arm can be used intentionally to gain an advantage by holding, pushing or pulling an opposition player. We all use our free arms during play to turn, manoeuvre and to desperately pull ourselves through the water but just because we’re flailing our arm around and we contact another player we have not necessarily “illegally used our free arm”. What was the intent of the arm ‘flailer’ and did they gain an unfair advantage? Or, was another player unfairly disadvantaged? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then stop the game and award an advantage puck to the dis-advantagee. (strangely, spellcheck doesn’t recognise this word :-). Assessing the player’s intent is very important when making decisions as a referee in all sports. The video clearly demonstrates the intent of the offending player. In both cases, they certainly meant to use their free arm to gain an advantage. Intent can be described as “what was the players intention?”. Did they mean to do it, as in the video or was it an accident? I will post some guidance on intent and advantage down the track. And if you see anything as blatant as the video, then throw them out; for 2 min at least maybe for 5min in A grade.
Don’t forget, as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
I hope you are staying well and hopefully the pool will reopen soon.
Regards
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Referee)
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Holding The Barrier
Infringement 16.3.18
Hi All,
This week we are looking at Holding the Barrier/Wall/Goal. This one is pretty straight forward and most of you will be familiar with it already. You cannot grip the wall/barrier or goal with your hand (or anything else for that matter). It is okay to put your hand flat on the wall or goal to help hold your position or to push off but you are not allowed to grip it. This may seem a bit pernickety but the point of this is, by gripping the wall you can hold yourself in position and thereby gain an advantage. This rule, like many of the rules in underwater hockey, is all about preventing someone gaining an unfair advantage. You can use your fins, strength and skills to manoeuvre, drive and position yourself but you can not hang on to a piece of the equipment i.e. the wall, barrier or goal, to achieve an advantage by pulling yourself along or holding you in a position which may be of advantage to you over the opposing players. It’s such a little thing but it makes a big difference.
Even though we are not able to get in the water, make sure that you are doing something to maintain your physical and mental health and well being.
And remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards
Dave
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Infringement 16.3.18
Hi All,
This week we are looking at Holding the Barrier/Wall/Goal. This one is pretty straight forward and most of you will be familiar with it already. You cannot grip the wall/barrier or goal with your hand (or anything else for that matter). It is okay to put your hand flat on the wall or goal to help hold your position or to push off but you are not allowed to grip it. This may seem a bit pernickety but the point of this is, by gripping the wall you can hold yourself in position and thereby gain an advantage. This rule, like many of the rules in underwater hockey, is all about preventing someone gaining an unfair advantage. You can use your fins, strength and skills to manoeuvre, drive and position yourself but you can not hang on to a piece of the equipment i.e. the wall, barrier or goal, to achieve an advantage by pulling yourself along or holding you in a position which may be of advantage to you over the opposing players. It’s such a little thing but it makes a big difference.
Even though we are not able to get in the water, make sure that you are doing something to maintain your physical and mental health and well being.
And remember - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards
Dave
Note: The relevant "The Rule Book" video (see link below) was released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Illegally Stopping The Puck
Hi All,
Even though our uw-hockey is currently 'on hold', it doesn't mean we can't continue to think about our wonderful sport!
TUHA Chief Ref Dave has provided another in the Rule Of The Week series: ILLEGALLY STOPPING THE PUCK.
Hello All,
This week’s video (https://www.youtube.com/watch…) shows the most commonly seen variation of “Illegally stopping the puck” AKA. The illegal knockdown. Infringement 16.3.5 Advancing or attempting to play the puck with anything other than the playing area of the stick.
In the video, the infringing player attempts to intercept the flick. While I’m sure he would have liked to catch the puck on his stick, unfortunately, he catches the puck on his hand. This is illegally stopping the puck. The most important consideration is the actions of the 2 players involved. The flicker has tried to get the puck past the flickee. The flickee has moved a part of his body in order to stop the puck and it is this deliberate action and resulting contact with his body, which determines that this is an infringement. Often a player will be reaching out to make a tackle and the puck carrier, in an attempt to get rid of the puck, will flick the puck into the opposition player. This would not be illegally stopping the puck as the defender has not moved his hand into the path of the puck but rather, the puck carrier has flicked it into the defender’s hand, all be it, accidentally, usually.
Clear as mud?
Some things to remember. “Only the playing area of the stick” may be used to play the puck. Not your hand, arm, legs, fins or head.
The question to consider is “Did the player move their hand, arm, leg, fin, head into the path of the puck or was the puck flicked into them?”
Are you wondering what the playing area of the stick Is?
Rule 14.1.1 Only the “playing area of the stick” may be used to move the puck. The “playing area” is that area of the stick not covered by the player’s hand when the stick is gripped in a natural manner excluding any part of the stick, which extends past the protected little finger.
So next time you are wondering why you got pinged and someone didn’t consider the passage of play again. And, bear in mind, it can be very difficult to see. In real time.
I hope you are all well and please stay safe.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave
Note: The "The Rule Book" videos were released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Hi All,
Even though our uw-hockey is currently 'on hold', it doesn't mean we can't continue to think about our wonderful sport!
TUHA Chief Ref Dave has provided another in the Rule Of The Week series: ILLEGALLY STOPPING THE PUCK.
Hello All,
This week’s video (https://www.youtube.com/watch…) shows the most commonly seen variation of “Illegally stopping the puck” AKA. The illegal knockdown. Infringement 16.3.5 Advancing or attempting to play the puck with anything other than the playing area of the stick.
In the video, the infringing player attempts to intercept the flick. While I’m sure he would have liked to catch the puck on his stick, unfortunately, he catches the puck on his hand. This is illegally stopping the puck. The most important consideration is the actions of the 2 players involved. The flicker has tried to get the puck past the flickee. The flickee has moved a part of his body in order to stop the puck and it is this deliberate action and resulting contact with his body, which determines that this is an infringement. Often a player will be reaching out to make a tackle and the puck carrier, in an attempt to get rid of the puck, will flick the puck into the opposition player. This would not be illegally stopping the puck as the defender has not moved his hand into the path of the puck but rather, the puck carrier has flicked it into the defender’s hand, all be it, accidentally, usually.
Clear as mud?
Some things to remember. “Only the playing area of the stick” may be used to play the puck. Not your hand, arm, legs, fins or head.
The question to consider is “Did the player move their hand, arm, leg, fin, head into the path of the puck or was the puck flicked into them?”
Are you wondering what the playing area of the stick Is?
Rule 14.1.1 Only the “playing area of the stick” may be used to move the puck. The “playing area” is that area of the stick not covered by the player’s hand when the stick is gripped in a natural manner excluding any part of the stick, which extends past the protected little finger.
So next time you are wondering why you got pinged and someone didn’t consider the passage of play again. And, bear in mind, it can be very difficult to see. In real time.
I hope you are all well and please stay safe.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Regards, Dave
Note: The "The Rule Book" videos were released at the time of the 5th World Age Group CMAS Underwater Hockey Championships in Sheffield, England, in August 2019.
Stick Infringement
Hello All,
AKA "Hacking", this weeks video (from the series made for the Sheffield 2019 Age Group Championships) shows several examples of stick infringements. While you may be familiar with the contact of the stick on another player usually in the act of tackling or competing for the puck, you may not be familiar with a stick pushing the stick of a team mate in order to advance the puck. This is most often seen on the goal tray and can committed by either defenders or attackers.
Stick infringements are best considered in terms of 'first contact'. First contact must always be the puck regardless of which side you or the puck carrier are on.
If you have any questions please ask any of the Guild Refs.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Dave (TUHA Chief Ref)
Hello All,
AKA "Hacking", this weeks video (from the series made for the Sheffield 2019 Age Group Championships) shows several examples of stick infringements. While you may be familiar with the contact of the stick on another player usually in the act of tackling or competing for the puck, you may not be familiar with a stick pushing the stick of a team mate in order to advance the puck. This is most often seen on the goal tray and can committed by either defenders or attackers.
Stick infringements are best considered in terms of 'first contact'. First contact must always be the puck regardless of which side you or the puck carrier are on.
If you have any questions please ask any of the Guild Refs.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Dave (TUHA Chief Ref)
Obstruction and Barging
Hello All,
Sometimes subtle but often not, this is the infringement we all hate the most and the one that players most often commit. Attached below is one of a series of videos from the 2019 Age Group World Championships (held in Sheffield), which demonstrates several, but by no means all, examples of obstructions and barging.
I hope it clarifies the reason for making the calls and helps you when you are faced with similar situations.
Tassie has some of the best Underwater Water Hockey players in the world and also some of the best Underwater Hockey referees in the world. Referees who regularly ref at national and international competitions also ref us every Wednesday night. If you have any reffing queries please ask any of our guild refs.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Referee)
Hello All,
Sometimes subtle but often not, this is the infringement we all hate the most and the one that players most often commit. Attached below is one of a series of videos from the 2019 Age Group World Championships (held in Sheffield), which demonstrates several, but by no means all, examples of obstructions and barging.
I hope it clarifies the reason for making the calls and helps you when you are faced with similar situations.
Tassie has some of the best Underwater Water Hockey players in the world and also some of the best Underwater Hockey referees in the world. Referees who regularly ref at national and international competitions also ref us every Wednesday night. If you have any reffing queries please ask any of our guild refs.
And as always - Regardless of what you think of the call, live with it, keep quiet and move on.
Dave Hilder (TUHA Chief Referee)
