How should umpires position themselves and signal raised balls and the 5-metre distance?

Two umpires control a match, and each has primary responsibility for decisions in one half of the field (Rules 11.1 and 11.2). Positioning in the FIH umpiring guidance:

• Each umpire operates mainly in half of the field, with the centre-line to their left.
• The most suitable position is generally ahead of and on the right of the attacking team.
• Between the centre-line and the 23-metres area, stay near your side-line.
• When play is in the 23-metres area or the circle, move further into the field away from the side-lines and, when necessary, into the circle itself.
• For penalty strokes, stand behind and to the right of the player taking the stroke.
• Do not let your positioning interfere with the flow of play, and face the players all the time.

Signals

• Raised ball: hold palms facing each other horizontally in front of the body, with one palm about 150 mm above the other.
• 5 metres distance: extend one arm straight up in the air showing an open hand with all fingers extended.
• Dangerous play: place one forearm diagonally across the chest.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2026, Umpiring section.