Aerial Dribbling |
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From Steve Horgan, USAFH Director of Umpiring:
Hello Umpires and Coaches I have recently received a number of e-mails with questions surrounding aerial dribbling. I hope some of this insight can help in clarifying the umpiring of such situations. Over the past few years the game has added what I will call the 3rd dimension. Meaning that the balls are being played, passed and received off the ground like never before. We as umpires must adjust to this type of play so that we do not take any of the skill or excitement away from the players while executing these skills properly. Some of the properly executed skills include stick-to-stick passing with the ball traveling and being received at about waist height, the ball being bobbled up then carried forward by the player, the ball being lifted slightly over the stick or by a player above the knee and carried on in the air. Many of the skills, we as umpires have been very conservative on and have blown as dangerous just because the ball was off the ground. We have to open our minds to allow for “Some” not “All” to be played on. There is nothing in the rules that disallows for two players to contest for the ball while it is off the ground. There is a responsibility for everyone to attempt to play the ball safely. So, as an example, just because two sticks and the ball are at waist height, does not mean danger must be called. The actions of the players and the trajectory of the ball will determine whether or not danger “really” occurs. We have to get away from the old adage that “It will likely lead to dangerous play”. Getting the word likely out of our minds may be difficult but it is the direction we must go. Rule 9.8 Players must not play the dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play. A ball is considered dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action. When does it become dangerous? 1. When true evasive action is necessary or a player attempts to play the ball in a manner that others can get hurt. 2. A player trying to stop the ball in the air while another is aerial dribbling, might cause a touch or clash of sticks,but would not be dangerous unless a player attempts to “chop” or swing wildly at the ball while in the air. 3. If the ball is being aerial dribbled directly into the body of a player above knee height or if the ball is approaching the head or upper body of a player during this action, danger would more than likely occur. 4. If the ball is being aerial dribbled away from a player or into open space, danger would more than likely not occur. 5. We do not want to be picking up the pieces, but we do not want to prevent proper skills from being executed. When does the player have to allow the ball to drop? ... Just like any aerial ball, the player who put it up is responsible for the dangerous aspects unless something else more egregious occurs while playing the ball. If the ball is going into the body of a defender, the attacker is responsible. If no evasive action is necessary and the ball can be played cleanly and presented properly, then play should continue. There is no requirement for a player aerial dribbling to have to allow the ball to come down to the ground when within playing distance of a defender. Danger should be judged on the actions of the players and path of the ball. If the ball is going directly into close proximity of and opponent, danger will likely ocurr. How does a defender play the ball?... Just as if the ball were on the ground, a block tackle or stiff stick stop, or a small tap away would be fine. We would not allow for a “chop” at the ball just as we would not allow it when a player has possession on the ground. The stick should not just be quickly flipped at the ball while in the air but controlled by both players attempting to play. The decision of danger is always difficult and perceived as on of the most inconsistent pieces of our game. This concept must be accepted by everyone knowing that each situation must be judged on the merits it presents and no two situations will be exactly alike. If you have any further questions related this or other topics associated with the rules, please do not hesitate to contact me. Steve Horgan Director of Umpiring, USA Field Hockey |