In order to make hockey faster and more attacking, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has effected two major rule changes, including the abolition of long corners, which will be effective from January 1.
As per the changes, an attacking free hit, awarded within five metres of the edge of the circle, can be taken from the point of offence.
“The ball still has to travel at least five metres before it can be played into the circle, or alternatively has to be touched by another player of either team, other than the player taking the free hit,” states the latest rule.
“Having to take the ball back to the five-metre dotted line slowed the play and was seen as a real disadvantage to the attacking team and the flow of the game.”
Re-startThe other change concerns the re-start after the ball has unintentionally been played over the back-line by a defender or deflected by a goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges and no goal is scored.
“Play will now be re-started with the ball on the 23-metre line and in line with where it crossed the back-line. Taking the re-start from the 23-metre line will open up the play and give more passing options,” said the rule.
“The previous re-start, commonly known as a corner, was seen an inefficient and ineffective re-start with the ball often becoming trapped in the corners of the pitch.
“Taking the re-start from the 23-metre line opens up the play and gives more passing options.”
Besides, some other rules have been adjusted. Keeping the players’ safety in mind in the backdrop of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes’s death due to a freak on-field accident, the FIH has lifted the ban on the use of face masks with metal grills while defending penalty corners.
The apex hockey body has also altered the stick specification, with the maximum length (105cm) being specified for the first time, which brings this into line with the indoor rules and FIH regulation changes.
