IMPERFECTIONS REMAIN BUT VIDEO REFERRALS STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION

By Tushar Bhaduri in New Delhi

AFTER cricket and tennis, it is hockey’s turn now to take technology’s help to minimise errors in decision making. And going by the responses at the World Cup in progress in the Capital, it is a step in the right direction.

Indian players and officials have tended to point an accusing finger at match officials in the past, alleging there was discrimination against teams from the sub- continent.

Said former India international Jalaluddin Rizvi: “ If the referral system was in place during our times, we would have won a lot more matches.” However, the rule is in its infancy and there is still room for some tinkering.

“ One unsuccessful challenge for 70 minutes of play is not enough. It’s such a fast game these days. Two, if not three, referrals per match is the need of the hour,” India’s assistant coach Harendra Singh told M AIL T ODAY . “ There is always a chance of human error in a game. So, if we can take electronic help to rectify them, we should welcome it.” Veteran Dutch goalkeeper Guus Vogels, who has seen a number of rule changes in his 14- year- career, is all for it. “ The video technology is used in key moments of matches and could be very useful,” the 34- year- old player said. “ At times, there are 22 feet inside the circle and the umpire cannot see everything that’s happening. That’s where the replay comes in,” the custodian said.

Both agree that teams need to use the referrals tactically. “ There is a need to pick and choose the moment to use the referral carefully,” Vogels said. “ There is a need to study the angles to reach the right decision.” Harendra agreed that there was a need to use the facility wisely. “ The player nearest to the incident or the one who made the tackle should take the call. They should ask for the review only when they are 100 percent sure that the referee has made a mistake.

There is a need to educate the players in this regard and tell them that they should protest only if it is a genuine case.” Citing an incident in the World Cup match between South Korea and Germany, Harendra said: “ The umpire did not grant a penalty corner initially, but the Koreans challenged successfully and converted it.” However, the Australians disagree with Harendra and think that one unsuccessful referral is more than enough. “ I don’t think there is need for more and we don’t use them tactically,” Liam de Young said. “ We are getting used to it.

But it can be tough if there are frequent stoppages.” Talisman Jamie Dwyer said the referrals could be a double- edged sword.

“ We were disappointed with the referrals in our first game against England, when we thought we were hard done by. But it has been a lot better in our last two games. It becomes a problem when the decision takes a long time in coming.

We make it a point to challenge only when we are totally sure,” he said.