Chennai: The Federation International de Hockey (FIH) will soon introduce the 'third eye' to determine crucial umpiring decisions and to test the effectiveness of the additional scrutiny.

Steven Morris, communications manager of the FIH, the world governing body for the game, in a press release, said the Federation would conduct an experiment to examine the feasibility of a video umpire at the Meadow Lea World Cup for Women in Perth from November 24 to December 8.

The trial would take the form of a 'dry run' with no involvement of World Cup match officials and no direct effect on the run of play. "Instead, an experienced international umpire not taking part in the match will be able to request video examination of crucial umpires' decisions to test the effectiveness of the additional scrutiny," he said.

The experiment would provide feedback on important performance indicators, such as the number of times video was required, whether replay allowed for an unambiguous ruling and how long it takes on average for a conclusion to be reached.

The criteria for assessment, he said, would be restricted to decisions involving the award or otherwise of goals in situations like whether the ball was inside or outside the circle, crossed the goal line or entered the goal and whether an attacker had touched the ball inside the circle.

"The experiment will also give an insight into the requirements for equipment facilities and training needs for umpires," Morris said.

Meanwhile, Australia based Peter Cohen, the FIH secretary, said that the increasing standards of play made it imperative to examine if it was desirable to join other sports like cricket and rugby in using video umpires.

"We must, however, proceed with a very cautious and analytical attitude, because the video umpire is still not without occasional controversy in those sports. The use of dry run at the world cup will provide us with very important practical feedback to help us make a qualified first step in the direction."

He said the project would be evaluated during and after the World Cup in Perth. With the results, a plan would be worked out by the FIH Umpiring Committee for further testing at another event, which would include involvement of the match officials.

PTI