I did look at the rule book in anticipation there may already be some sort of instruction on this. All I could find was that the watch itself may constitute a danger to other players (Rule 4.4.2) but since so many players do wear watches this doesn’t seem to constitute danger and/or is not enforced. There is nothing in the conduct of players rules (Rule 9) that would preclude receiving a message and the only other area of the rule book is a rather vague comment about ensuring the game is played “..in the right spirit” in the umpiring section (Umpiring: 1.2b). Such instruction is obviously open to rather wide interpretation. For example, do we think that shouting instructions or calling a player over to give her information and then sending her off to tell the corner group what to do is fine because it is verbal, but doing the same electronically is somehow against the spirit of the game? I may well have missed something - but currently I can't see anything obvious that would preclude some texting other than some vague notion of, arguably archaic, game ethics.
I think Tarryn Lombard’s action is instructive - at least as a thought piece as my own feelings about this are unclear. If we imagine she glanced at her watch to read a text about the corner routine SA should run, what of it? Did it affect the game anymore than the players looking to the bench for the same information?
Ah, thanks Ernst (and Keely!), that makes it clearer. Though it does prompt the question of whether this is enforced because clearly there are players wearing devices capable of receiving texts. And then, as you say, whether this applies to other leagues would be a question worth investigating.
These aren't rules, they're regulations. It's very important to use the correct word because people will look into the Rules of Hockey for a rule, and tournament or competition regulations for a regulation.
Regulations specifically vary how a competition is to take place. How many players can be on a roster, how can they be swapped, what their uniforms can have or not, how draws are resolved, who comes in what place in pool play, etc.
And, whether or not players can wear devices capable of receiving communications or not. This regulation appears to be universal across all FIH outdoor competitions at present.
Got it, thanks Keely the distinction between rules and regulations makes it much clearer. I take it then that it is just accepted that coaches will not send communications even though players are wearing smart watches.
I do think there is a debate about why verbal but not electronic communication is acceptable but that is something for another time perhaps.
Yes indeed, a player looking at their watch to check their heart rate say, or looking at their watch to read a text from the coach must look very similar. I suppose the technical officials are taking it on trust .... ?
My sources tell me it usually is just to read their GPS data. Communication with players, though possible, would be not in line with current rules....
I did look at the rule book in anticipation there may already be some sort of instruction on this. All I could find was that the watch itself may constitute a danger to other players (Rule 4.4.2) but since so many players do wear watches this doesn’t seem to constitute danger and/or is not enforced. There is nothing in the conduct of players rules (Rule 9) that would preclude receiving a message and the only other area of the rule book is a rather vague comment about ensuring the game is played “..in the right spirit” in the umpiring section (Umpiring: 1.2b). Such instruction is obviously open to rather wide interpretation. For example, do we think that shouting instructions or calling a player over to give her information and then sending her off to tell the corner group what to do is fine because it is verbal, but doing the same electronically is somehow against the spirit of the game? I may well have missed something - but currently I can't see anything obvious that would preclude some texting other than some vague notion of, arguably archaic, game ethics.
I think Tarryn Lombard’s action is instructive - at least as a thought piece as my own feelings about this are unclear. If we imagine she glanced at her watch to read a text about the corner routine SA should run, what of it? Did it affect the game anymore than the players looking to the bench for the same information?
There is a clear rule in place for all FIH tournaments. Which you'll find here :
https://www.fih.hockey/static-assets/pdf/fih-general-tournament-regulations-august-2024.pdf?v=1.3
It states: "6.14 A player on the field of play must not use or be equipped with any device to receive communication."
Wether that's applicable in any other events such as domestic leagues depends upon their specific event rules...
(With thanks to Keely Dunn from FHumpires.com for the tips)
Ah, thanks Ernst (and Keely!), that makes it clearer. Though it does prompt the question of whether this is enforced because clearly there are players wearing devices capable of receiving texts. And then, as you say, whether this applies to other leagues would be a question worth investigating.
These aren't rules, they're regulations. It's very important to use the correct word because people will look into the Rules of Hockey for a rule, and tournament or competition regulations for a regulation.
Regulations specifically vary how a competition is to take place. How many players can be on a roster, how can they be swapped, what their uniforms can have or not, how draws are resolved, who comes in what place in pool play, etc.
And, whether or not players can wear devices capable of receiving communications or not. This regulation appears to be universal across all FIH outdoor competitions at present.
Got it, thanks Keely the distinction between rules and regulations makes it much clearer. I take it then that it is just accepted that coaches will not send communications even though players are wearing smart watches.
I do think there is a debate about why verbal but not electronic communication is acceptable but that is something for another time perhaps.
I'm not sure there's a great deal of awareness of the potential abuse of the watches amongst the technical officials.
Yes indeed, a player looking at their watch to check their heart rate say, or looking at their watch to read a text from the coach must look very similar. I suppose the technical officials are taking it on trust .... ?