BEAUTIES with the Beast outside the Green Stadium in Japan where Malaysia were robbed of an entry into the final of the Olympic Qualifiers, because the International Hockey Federation (FIH) were slow to adapt to changes in Video Umpiring, which had taken place in cricket and Tennis much earlier.MALAYSIA’S protest during the Japan Olympic Qualifiers has saved future tournaments from turning into a sham.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has finally amended its video umpiring rules to include a clause which allows: Whether a breach of the rules has been observed within the attacking circle in the play leading to the award ing or disallowing of a goal. It is then for the umpire to take any breach into account in reaching his decision.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has finally amended its video umpiring rules to include a clause which allows: Whether a breach of the rules has been observed within the attacking circle in the play leading to the award ing or disallowing of a goal. It is then for the umpire to take any breach into account in reaching his decision.
Earlier, video umpiring could only judge whether the ball crossed the goal line, whether the ball was legally played or touched inside the circle by the stick of an attacker before the ball crossed the goal line and whether the ball travelled outside the circle before it entered the goal during the taking of a penalty corner.
Malaysia were leading Japan 3-2 in the Qualifiers, and only a minute separating them from playing Germany in the final, when an equaliser was scored after a Japanese player stopped the ball with his thigh.
But then, there was no provision in video umpiring to help Malaysia’s cause. And the protest was thrown out, and Malaysia found themselves out in the cold.
The new rule, called ‘minor amendments’ by the FIH, will be used in the: Men’s and women’s Champions Trophies 2008, but a formal proposal may be put to the Executive Board following the completion of both of these events if the trial is deemed a success.
The FIH also said: These adjustments have been brought in to counteract problems that have occurred at previous tournaments.
Malaysia were leading Japan 3-2 in the Qualifiers, and only a minute separating them from playing Germany in the final, when an equaliser was scored after a Japanese player stopped the ball with his thigh.
But then, there was no provision in video umpiring to help Malaysia’s cause. And the protest was thrown out, and Malaysia found themselves out in the cold.
The new rule, called ‘minor amendments’ by the FIH, will be used in the: Men’s and women’s Champions Trophies 2008, but a formal proposal may be put to the Executive Board following the completion of both of these events if the trial is deemed a success.
The FIH also said: These adjustments have been brought in to counteract problems that have occurred at previous tournaments.
To late for Malaysia, but not for hockey.
