Hockey NZ New Rules Document 2015 January 2015 Introduction This document is intended to outline the rule changes for 2015, and also to provide Associations and Regions with guidance on implementing rule changes, and to outline how these rules will be used in the Hockey NZ domestic calendar. In an effort to provide clarity and reduce the number of variations of tournament rules and domestic rules, the Rules of Hockey will apply to all levels of the game and are effective from 1st January 2015. A limited number of variations to the playing conditions through Regulation will continue to exist in top level International matches played at FIH Tournaments. Specifically, these include the countdown clock for penalty corners and the use of 4 x 15 minute quarters, which require additional technical table and equipment resources, which are not available at the majority of hockey pitches. Similarly, Video Umpire will only be used at FIH World level Tournaments where the contracted full television coverage and facilities enable a viable system. All other matches must be played in accordance with the Rules of Hockey unless otherwise agreed by the FIH Rules Committee after submission by a National Hockey Association. The FIH Tournament Regulations which have been incorporated into the Rules of Hockey for 2015 are breaking at a penalty corner, the two minute green card and the use of the stick above the shoulder. Since the introduction of the breaking at penalty corners has been introduced there has been a significant decrease in the number of breaks by attackers and defenders therefore, the requirement that a stroke be given for players persistently crossing the back-line before permitted has been deleted. Breaking at penalty corners is successfully managed through the implementation of this rule. The inclusion of the two minute green card provides an additional management tool for umpires but the issuing of a green card should not replace what is currently deemed a yellow card offence.

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The ability to play the ball with the stick above your shoulder has led to some exciting and creative hockey moments. Players have developed the skill of controlling and playing the ball with the stick above their shoulder and it adds another dimension to hockey. Correct implementation of this rule with an emphasis on safety will enable players to learn and use the skill correctly in games. Two rule changes have been included; the first is the ability to take attacking free hits, awarded within 5 metres of the edge of the circle, from the point of the offence. This is to speed up play and take away the disadvantage that the attacking team were facing under the old rule. The second change relates to the corner (long corner), which will now be taken at the 23 metre line in line with where the ball went out over the base-line. This rule change will help to stop the ball getting stuck in the corners and increase the passing options. The 10 metre free hit progression (10 metre march) has been removed as it has become redundant through the advent of the self-pass rule. There are also technical changes relating to stick specifications and the types of face masks which can be worn.

A

New Rules and Guidance

The 2015 new rules relate to the following areas:       

Breaking at a penalty corner The use of the stick above your shoulder Two minute green card Free hit within 5 metres of the circle Long corner 10 metre march Technical rules: team composition, stick specifications, faces masks.

Rule 13.7 c: Defenders Breaking at a Penalty Corners If a defender, other than the goalkeeper, crosses the back-line or goal-line before permitted, the offending player is required to go beyond the centre-line and cannot be replaced by another defender: The penalty corner is taken again. If another defender at this or any subsequently re-taken penalty corner crosses the back-line or goal line before permitted, they are also required to go beyond the centre-line and cannot be replaced. Commentary and guidelines: A defender cannot return for a re-taken penalty corner, and therefore can only return if one of the following conditions is met:     

a goal is scored a free hit is awarded to the defending team the ball travels more than 5 metres outside the circle, the ball is played over the back-line and a penalty corner is not awarded, a defender commits an offence which does not result in another penalty corner, a penalty stroke is awarded,

 

a bully is awarded. For the purposes of substitution and completion of a penalty corner at half time or full-time, the penalty corner is also completed when the ball travels outside the circle for the second time (Refer 13.6).

If it is a goalkeeper, or player with goalkeeping privileges, that crosses the goal-line before permitted, the defending team defends the penalty corner with one fewer player, and the penalty corner is taken again.

Commentary and guidelines: If the goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges breaks at a penalty corner, they nominate another defender to go to the centre-line and the penalty corner defended by 4 players. A repeated break from the goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges means that another defender involved in the corner is sent back to the centre-line and the team defends the corner with (penalty corner defended by 3 players). Rule 13.7 b: Attacker Breaking at a Penalty Corners If the player taking the push or hit from the back-line feints at playing the ball, the offending player is required to go beyond the centre-line but is replaced by another attacker and the penalty corner is taken again If an attacker enters the circle before permitted, the offending player is required to go beyond the centre-line: the penalty corner is taken again. Commentary and guidelines: If any feinting by an attacker leads to what otherwise would be a breach of this rule by a defender, only the attacker is required to go beyond the centre-line (if their feinting leads a defender to break). The attacker that is sent back to the centre-line may be replaced at the circle edge by another attacker, as there is no restriction on attacking numbers during a penalty corner, however the penalty corner should not be held up to wait for a replacement player. Attackers who are sent beyond the centre-line may not return for re-taken penalty corners, but may do so for a subsequently awarded penalty corner ie their return is govered by the same restrictions as defenders. Rule 9.7: The use of stick above the shoulder Players may stop, receive and deflect or play the ball in a controlled manner in any part of the field when the ball is at any height including about the shoulder unless this is dangerous or leads to danger. Commentary and guidelines: Umpires should pay particular focus on control and danger (and leading to danger). The umpire should deal strictly with players who are swinging their stick in the air dangerously. In particular, in junior competitions, the emphasis should be on ‘controlling the ball’ and players should not swing

or hit the ball in the air. In open space, inside the circle, an attacker may play a controlled shot in order to shoot at goal. Around the field, the receiving player still has 5 metres to bring the ball down, however, other players can also attempt to bring down the ball earlier in the flight path of the ball. Players should not be allowed to wave their sticks above their heads to try and stop aerial free hits and passes. The action of putting the stick above the shoulder should be to trap or receive the ball in the air and not to distract or intimidate opposition players. Rule 14.1 b: Two minute green card suspension For any offence, an offending player may be warned and temporarily suspended for 2 minutes of playing time (indicated by a green card). Commentary and guidelines: The use of the green card 2 minute suspension is an additional management tool for umpires and can be awarded for minor bad tackles, players not being 5m, dissent from players, etc. For the duration of each temporary green card suspension of a player on or off the field, the offending team plays with one fewer players. Rule 13: Free hit within 5m of the circle A free hit awarded within 5 metres of the circle to the attack is taken at the nearest point 5 metres from the circle) has been deleted. New Rule: Players may now take free hits awarded within 5 metres of the edge of the circle, from the point of the offence (they do not need to take the ball back outside the dotted 5 metre line around the circle). However, rules surrounding the entry of the ball into the circle apply and you should refer to Rule 13.2. From a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or has been touched by a player of either team other than the player taking the free hit. If the player taking the free hit continues to player the ball (ie no other player has yet played it): - That player may play the ball any number of times, but - The ball must travel at least 5 metres, before - That player plays the ball into the circle by hitting or pushing the ball again Alternatively: - Another player of either team who can legitimately play the ball must deflect, hit or push the ball before it enters the circle, or - After this player has touched the ball, it can be played into the circle by another player including the player who took the free hit. Commentary and guidelines: The ball still has to travel at least 5 metres before it can be played into the circle OR it has to be touched by another player of either team (other than the player taking the free hit). Reminder: that all players should be 5 metres from the player taking the free hit. This situation should be the case for set plays around the circle edge. However, for fast break-aways, it is

unrealistic for a defender to retreat 5 metres back into the circle. This action would mean an attacker could move the ball sideways 5 metres and enter the circle uncontested, as the required movement for the defender would be nearly 7 metres. We should not see penalty corners awarded for defenders who have not retreated 5 metres in this situation. The fact that the defender is inside the circle, means they are not interfering, as the attacker cannot bring the ball into the circle until it has been moved 5 metres. Note: any interference from the defender while the attacker is moving the ball 5 metres may be deemed a deliberate act and dealt with accordingly. Rule 7.4: Corner (or ‘long corner’ as it is often referred to) When the ball is played unintentionally over the back-line by a defender or goalkeeper and no goal is scored, play is re-started with the ball on the 23 metre line and in line with where it crossed the backline and the procedures for taking a free hit apply. Commentary and guidelines: Because the ball is placed on the 23 metre line the restart is within the 23 metre area and the rules around taking a free hit within this area apply (refer to rule 13.2). Practically, the ball does not need to be placed exactly on the 23 metre line, however, it cannot be hit directly into the circle. Note: the signal for the (long) corner remains the same. Rule regarding the 10 metre March The ability of the umpire to progress a free hit by up to 10 metres has been deleted. The action has become redundant with new free hit rules and the self- pass. Technical Rules: 1. Stick specifications (Refer to Field and Equipment Specifications Section 2): Stick The maximum length being specified for the first time 2. Face masks (Refer to rule 4.2) New Rule: Players must not wear anything that is dangerous to other players. Commentary and guidelines: The wearing of facemasks by defenders during penalty corners was to help increase the safety of players. It is important that players are wearing something that will keep them safe but something that is not too bulky and does not cause the player to become intimidating. 3. Team A team consists of a maximum of sixteen persons composed of a maximum of eleven players on the field and up to five substitutes. This may be amended by Regulation to a maximum of eighteen players. 4. Composition of teams (Refer Rule 2.1) A maximum of eleven players from each team takes part in play at any particular time during the match.

Procedure for dealing with incorrect number of players on the field:  If a team has more than the permitted number of players on the field, time should be stopped to correct the situation.  It can be dealt with by either: If the team inadvertently have too many players on the pitch for a very short period of time and it does not materially affect the match then a personal penalty MAY be awarded to the captain of the team involved. OR If however, this occurs and materially affects the match, a personal penalty MUST be awarded to the captain of the team involved.  Decisions made prior to correcting the situation cannot be changed. 

Play is restarted with a free hit to the opposing team unless another penalty had been awarded against the offending team immediately before time was stopped in which case that penalty is taken. (the team that has the correct amount of players on the field gets possession of the ball).

FAQ 1. In the case of a defender returning to a penalty corner after breaking, can they player return if the umpire awards another penalty corner that is different to what the first penalty corner was awarded for. For example, a penalty corner is awarded for a bad tackle, a player breaks, and then goes to halfway. The penalty corner is played again, the ball is dragged flicked and hits the first runner below the knee, resulting in another penalty corner. Is the defending team allowed five players defending their goal now? Answer: No. The penalty corner is not over. Therefore it is a re-take situation and the player remains at the halfway line. 2.

If two defenders break at a penalty corner, do they both get sent to the halfway line?

Answer: No. The defending players can chose one of the offending players who is then required to go to the halfway line.

3.

If a goalkeeper breaks at a penalty corner, are they required to go to the halfway line?

Answer: No. The defending players chose another defender to go to the halfway line.

4. When taking a corner from the 23 metre line, can the ball be hit directly into the circle, when the ball is placed just outside the 23 metre area? Answer: No. The corner is governed by the free hit rule as per any hits taken within the 23 metre area.

5.

Is the game stopped when a goalkeeper is awarded a green or yellow card suspension?

Answer: Yes. However, the time is only stopped to allow for the goalkeeper to leave the field. There is no additional time allocated to allow a player to put on protective equipment.

B

Application to Hockey NZ Tournaments

Hockey NZ intends to adopt all the rule changes for 2015 and include them as part of the Hockey NZ calendar of domestic tournaments. Many of the new rules have been part of the FIH Outdoor Regulations for a number of years. However, now that they have been included in the Rules of Hockey, they will be played at all tournaments. The guidance to Associations and Regions is to adopt the rule changes and to include them into local competitions. The rule governing the use of stick above the shoulder should be worked through with players, coaches and umpires. Hockey NZ is committed to player safety, and this rule, if not used carefully has the potential to lead to dangerous play and potential injury. It must be emphasised that the use of the stick above the shoulder should be done in a controlled manner, and that any reckless use of the stick should be dealt with strictly under misconduct. Clear guidance will be given to tournament directors, umpire managers and umpires at Hockey NZ domestic tournaments to ensure player safety. All efforts should be made to embrace the spirit of this rule – that being the ‘controlled’ use of stick above the shoulder to trap the ball and bring it to ground safely. It is recognised that there will be opportunities to ‘play’ the ball above the shoulder in open spaces, and controlled shots at goal, but these actions should always be conducted with player safety in mind. Players who swing at the ball in the presence of other players, swing their sticks in the air, or use the stick above the shoulder in an intimidating way do not understand the essence of the new rule. Umpires should blow the whistle early (like they would have previously), if aerial balls are dropping into crowded areas so that all danger is eliminated.

Craig Gribble Hockey NZ Technical Manager January 2015