How many referees are there in field hockey?
Ever watched a game and wondered why you see several people running around the pitch? It’s not just for show – each official has a job that keeps the game fair and safe. Let’s break down who’s on the field and why they matter.
Typical officiating crew
In most organized matches you’ll see four officials on the pitch: two referees and two linesmen. The referees share the main responsibility of calling penalties, stopping play, and managing the game clock. Linesmen watch the sidelines, call offsides, and help the referees with fouls near the border.
Some leagues also add a goal judge. That person sits behind the net and signals when the ball fully crosses the line. It’s a small role, but it can be the difference between a win and a loss.
What changes at different levels?
At the youth level, many clubs run with just one referee and two linesmen. The single referee handles most calls while the linesmen focus on offsides and ball‑out‑of‑play. This keeps things simple and reduces costs.
When you step up to senior or elite competition, you’ll often see two referees working together. They rotate positions, so each gets a clear view of the action. This dual‑referee system helps catch fast plays and reduces missed calls.
Professional leagues sometimes add a video umpire. The video umpire watches a live feed and can review disputed goals or penalty decisions. It’s not a full extra referee, but it adds a tech‑savvy layer to the crew.
So, how many officials should you expect? In most adult games: two referees, two linesmen, and a goal judge – that’s five people. Youth games might have just three: one referee, two linesmen. Elite matches can add a video umpire, bringing the total to six.
Why does this matter to you as a player or fan? Knowing who does what helps you understand calls better. If a referee whistles for a foul, you know they’re looking at safety and rule compliance. If a linesman raises the flag, it’s likely an offside or the ball went out.
Also, when you’re coaching, you can train players to respect each official’s role. Teaching kids to approach the referee calmly or to acknowledge a linesman's signal builds a healthier game environment.
Bottom line: field hockey relies on a small team of officials to keep the match flowing. The exact number changes with the level of play, but the core crew stays the same: referees to manage the game, linesmen to watch the borders, and sometimes a goal judge or video umpire for extra precision.
Next time you’re on the pitch, take a quick look at the officials. Knowing their jobs makes the game clearer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
