One of the ongoing debates in World Hockey is how the game is presented on TV. Quite frankly the broadcast team contracted by the IOC did hockey very few favours at the London Olympics. There is no doubt that cameramen, directors and producers who do not have a deep understanding of the game are simply unaware of the incredible skills involved in the game and what to highlight. Particular nuances of the game will be lost to them.
Yes, we all know that the number of cameras, slow-mo cameras and other technical aids cost money. We also know that many of the Olympic sports do not have the “pull factor” that have TV networks beating down doors to televise their sport but hockey has made massive strides and I sincerely believe with a carefully selected production team, strategically located cameras manned by cameramen schooled in the subtleties of hockey we can present an action packed production highlighting the skills, the speed and the crackerjack action.
The time has also come to experiment with cameras on goalies’ helmets, wiring the umpires for sound, maybe also the coaches.
We must also consider subtle changes to rules that will make the game flow even better – and we have come a long way in recent years!
Tournament regulations may also have to be revisited although we have also made good advances here as well. Many people enthused at the shoot-out in the Netherlands – NZ women’s semi-final in London rather than a penalty stroke competition.
We would also do well to analyse how other sports approached crowd/spectator entertainment between games, during games and half time during the Olympics. Player introductions, use of the big screen/s and scoreboard and creating a special hockey village atmosphere. I suspect these subjects are high on the list of the KNHB’s 2014 World Cup Organising Committee for The Hague – the Dutch always do these things so well!
Why don’t you send us your ideas how to improve hockey as a TV and also as a live sport!
When you walk into a World Level Hockey Event are you “blown away” by the experience?
Steve Jaspan is a former FIH Executive Board member and chairman of the FIH High Performance Committee.
