Secret Umpire: hockey's aerial ball leaves me bemused Yet every season I am bemused by the lack of understanding and differing interpretation with regards to the rules from both players and fellow umpires. Let me give my own view, one that has received little or no debate from players or coaches in the past few seasons. A player calling for the ball when it is in the air does not entitle you to receive it; after all, you are not inside your 22 on a rugby pitch calling for a mark. Early communication from me over who needs to retreat five metres will always assist the situation. And if on the balance of percentages one looks at the amount of ball that actually ends up with the attacker then you will see it is rare. As the rule 9.10 (video below) states: "If it is not clear which player is the initial receiver, the player of the team which raised the ball must allow the opponent to receive it." Consistency is, I think, what players are really after here. In my experience players will accept decisions if they are the same for both teams and the two umpires on the pitch work together, not apart, and are seen to be doing so by players, coaches and spectators. I thoroughly enjoy umpiring at whatever level it happens to be. For me it is about giving something back to a game I have been involved in since I could walk. The ability to be able to facilitate hockey, to allow players to show and develop skills is something that gives me great satisfaction. I have been fortunate enough to have excellent support from coaches and assessors along the way, as well as the odd "wise" word from more experienced colleagues. Believe it or not, from some players too. Although not all. What will 2014 bring... perhaps time to consider the green, yellow and red card issue? Do leave your wishlist below... Secret Umpire appears monthly