Minor changes to rules in 2001

BRUSSELS, FEB. 5. The Hockey Rules Board met in Paris in November and put forward various rule changes which were agreed to by the FIH Council. They will be included in the 2001 Rules book which is due to be published in mid-2001.

The main changes are the following:

Short ``distance'' markings: These markings, on the side and back-lines of the field, are currently specified in Rule 1.3. They are to be placed outside the field of play, rather than inside, as at present. This will help avoid undue wear and uneven surfaces, especially on synthetic pitches. The opportunity has also been taken to convert the penalty corner markings on the back-line to 5m and 10m. The existing 4.55m and 9.10m markings are inconsistent with other rules. This change will be effective immediately for any new pitches but those with existing markings will still be permitted. The wording of the rules will accommodate both existing and new pitch markings.

The need for each team to have a captain (who must wear a distinctive arm-band) actually on the field of play is no longer thought to be essential given the existence of rolling substitutions. It has been agreed that the captain could be on the field or, at particular times in a game, could be on the substitute's bench. However if a captain is suspended, a replacement must be indicated.

The HRB shares with others a concern about increasing levels of misconduct. In the light of comments received from national associations and elsewhere, it was agreed that penalties for misconduct should be strengthened. Substitute players when not on the field, are still under the control of the umpires. It is decided that they can be cautioned, warned, temporarily or permanently suspended. In the event of a suspension, the number of players on the field will be reduced accordingly.

The Rules Advisory Panel and the Hockey Rules Board had comprehensive discussions about the current mandatory experiment (Rule 4.5a) whereby the edge of the stick can be used to play the ball. Detailed and extensive consideration has been given to various implications of this rule, taking into account legal advice, safety, and feedback from national associations and stick manufacturers.

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