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These are the most important accessories and attributes that you can use in Hockey. These supplies will help you through the game with ease and keep you focused on leading the players.
I will mention here the most important clothing & accessories for hockey referees.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Referee watch hockey
Referees also need a good watch in hockey. This is to keep track of all times and game interruptions. I have a Extensive article written about referee watches that can also be used for hockey.
Headset
Perhaps one of the attributes you will least really need, but it can certainly help in communicating with your fellow referees. It helps to control the match in a more professional way.
Need tips for your club players? Also read: the 9 best field hockey sticks of the moment
Clothing
The referee's clothing has a very clear function, he must be clearly recognizable as the game leader's clothing. This means that:
- you can use bright eye-catching colors
- at least two sets of uniforms is best
It is wise to always have two sets of uniforms because your first uniform may resemble the colors of one of the playing teams too much. When this happens, players can no longer quickly see who is in charge of the game, and could even be accidentally passed to you in confusion. Therefore, always buy at least two sets and take your spare with you.
Hockey Pants
Reece Australia has one of the best hockey shorts I've seen. They breathe well and do not get in the way of running. You will have to walk a lot sideways and backwards and that is a different movement than you make as a player. A good fit and flexibility is therefore necessary.
As men's shorts I choose the Reece Australia pants myself, look here for the images at sportsdirect. They also have an extensive range of women's shorts and skirts to choose from, made from the same materials.
Referees shirt
Then the next thing to have is a good referee shirt. This will be the item to your outfit that will stand out the most, so a smart choice is wise. Socks and pants can go with just about anything. Choose a fairly neutral color such as black or dark blue. However, the shirt should be striking.
Plutosport has some really good ones for both men and women (look here for the range). I always really like the Adidas shirts, and most of them have two breast pockets to keep the most useful things at hand. This is of course an essential feature of a referee shirt, and this makes it different from normal uniforms for players.
Besides the fact that these stand out the most about your outfit, they also have to endure the most. You will be sweating the most on your upper body, so breathable fabrics are the best to choose here.
Whichever color you choose, choose two shirts with strongly contrasting colors. A good combination is always a bright yellow, and a bright red. Colors that occur least in the normal uniform colors of teams and that way you always have the other one to keep the contrast optimal for (and with) the players.
Referee Socks
Also here I would go for a neutral color, for example, matching with your shorts would be nice. You can also go with your shirt, but then you will also have to buy two different colors and take them to the competition. Here are some options in different colors that you could buy.
Which tracksuit do you wear as a referee?
As a referee you want a good tracksuit to put on before and especially after the game. Your body has been working hard and you are probably a bit older than most players. Keeping yourself warm is therefore essential while your body recovers from all the exertion.
The Hockey House has a number of high-end tracksuits from Osaka. Here he is for Men, and here for Women.
They have many more brands that all do their job very well. What makes Osaka so special is the slim fit so you don't walk around in a baggy bag like so many tracksuits, and they have waterproof zippered pockets to stash your important items you don't want to get wet, like your phone or your backpack. watch you took off for your referee watch.
Cards
In addition to yellow cards or red cards, you can also hand out a green card in Hockey. This makes it different from most other sports and means that you will also need to get a specific hockey set of cards.
The meaning of the hockey cards
Cards are shown for rough or dangerous play, misconduct or intentional violations. Three cards can be distinguished, each with its own meaning:
- Green: The referee gives an official warning to a player by showing the green card. The player would probably have received a verbal warning for this
- Yellow: Get a yellow card and you're off the field for five minutes or more
- Red: A red card is given for more serious offences. Take an early shower – because you won't be going back onto the pitch.
It is advisable to buy a set that is specifically made for Hockey to also be able to make this distinction. Luckily they cost next to nothing and you can do it here at sportdirect buy.
Hockey Referee Whistle, Signaling & Observation
Also at Hockey you have to use your flute well. I already had one before written about in football, but there are also some specific things whistling in hockey.
These are the two I have:
| Whistle | Images |
|---|---|
| Best for single matches: Stanno Fox 40 |
|
| Best for tournaments or multiple matches in a day: Pinch flute Wizzball original |
|
It's best to follow these recommendations for tightly controlling the match using your flute:
- Whistling loudly and decisively. Dare to make decisions.
- Indicate the direction with one arm (or with two at penalty corner, penalty shot, goal). Usually that's enough.
- Rather not point direction and point your foot at the same time
- Whistle is in your hand – not in your mouth all the time (not even on a cord around your neck, it's only there to keep it from losing it and for before and after the game).
- It's okay to whistle a little late. Maybe there will be benefit from the situation! Then say “keep going!” and point the arm diagonally up in front of the team that has the advantage.
- Posture and Whistling:
– Whistle loud and clear. This way you come across as confident and everyone will hear you whistle.
– Try to vary your whistle signals: for physical, hard and (other) intentional violations, you whistle louder and stricter than for minor, unintentional violations.
– Use a whistle with a clear signal that allows you to vary well in hardness and tone.
– Give clear directions with your arms shortly after the whistle.
– Stretch your arm(s) horizontally; only advantage is indicated with an outstretched arm.
– Grow yourself up.
– You indicate a free hit for the attack with your right arm, a free hit for the defender with your left arm.
– Stand with your back to the sideline. Make sure that you are always open to the situation on the field because of your attitude and that you have to turn your head as little as possible to
to oversee the entire field.
