Refereeing
How can you Ref Underwater?
Refereeing Underwater Hockey is a team effort.
There are four referees for each game – three in the water (“Water Referees”) and one on the deck (“Chief Referee”).
The Water Referees observe play at the pool bottom and signal to the chief referee to stop / restart play for goals or infringements. They also signal the reason for the stoppage and the team that scored or committed the infringement to the players and Chief Referee. The Water Referees work together by rotating their position in the pool around the play to ensure that all play is seen by at least one Water Referee.
The Chief Referee responds to hand signals given by the Water Referees to start and stop play by sounding a buzzer advising the players of a stoppage or restart. The Chief Referee also signals Team or Referee time-out periods, or to stop play if they have seen a rule infringement.
The game time and scores are managed by way of a computer program with game time and scores displayed on large TV screens on the side of the pool. Names of the scorers and time penalties are managed by timekeepers.
There are numerous signals used in Underwater Hockey and these are set out in the rules.
How do I become a Ref?
If you are interested in refereeing Underwater Hockey – talk to your club or province about becoming involved and what courses are coming up.
Further information can be obtained by emailing the SAUWHF Referee Officers at playunderwaterhockey@gmail.com or ribot25@gmail.com
Referee Courses
There are two referee courses run by SAUWHF for the ongoing development of referees along with those players that look to gain a better understanding of the rules to further their playing of the sport.
The referees course are run by the senior referees in the regions and further information can be obtained by email playunderwaterhockey@gmail.com or ribot25@gmail.com
Level 1 Referee Course
- This course is run subject to demand and is entails a two-hour classroom session.
- After the course an on-line exam is required to be taken with a 90% pass rate
- Should you meet the required mark, you will be entered into the data base.
- Upon completion of your logged practical hours, as certificate will be issued.
- Certificates are valid for a two-year period.
- Renewal of Certificates only require you to take the Level 1 Course and achieve the required pass-rate.
Level 2 Referee Course
In order to become a Level 2 Referee, you must complete Level 2 Referee Course, pass the exam, and be deemed competent by an International Referee*.
- This course may only be taken if you are in possession of an up-to-date Level 1 Certificate.
- This course is run subject to demand and is entails a three-hour classroom session
- After the course an on-line exam is required to be taken with a 90% pass rate
- Should you meet the required mark, you will be entered into the data base.
- Upon completion of your logged practical hours, as certificate will be issued.
- Certificates are valid for a two-year period.
- Renewal of Certificates only require you to take the Level 2 Course and achieve the required pass-rate.
*International Referee
An International Referee is a referee who is invited to the World Championships.
Criteria: Application meets the criteria and deemed competent by International Referees.