TWO YEAR RULES CYCLE
This edition of the Rules of Hockey represents a move to a two-year cycle for the production and publication of the rules of the game. In some ways, a two-year cycle was already in place because significant changes were not introduced in the periods leading to each Olympic Games and Hockey World Cup. By formalizing this cycle, the Hockey Rules Board (HRB) is also acknowledging that it is better to allow a slightly longer period between rules changes for any such changes to be evaluated and reviewed.
This set of rules therefore applies for the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 at international level. As before, National Associations have discretion to decide the date of implementation at national level.
The HRB will avoid publishing changes during the two year period but in exceptional circumstances retains this right. Any such changes will be noti.ed to National Associations and published on the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH’s) website : www.worldhockey.org
2007/8 RULES
In the now customary way, if a rule has been clarified or changed, a line appears in the margin of the text. The main changes for 2007/8 are described below.
The requirement to have a goalkeeper on the field at all times during play has been modified. The change permits teams more flexibility about what sort of goalkeeping option to adopt. It also takes account of the possibility that a team does not have a fully-equipped goalkeeper available or simply wishes to play only with .eld players. The change mainly affects rules 2.2, 4.4 and 10.1 but there are also other changes especially if a team chooses to play only with field players. In relation to these changes, it is important to understand that a team either has 55 a goalkeeper on the field (with full protective equipment or only with protective headgear) or is playing entirely with field players in which case no player has goalkeeping privileges. The HRB has observed that field players are increasingly wearing face protection especially when defending a penalty corner. The note to rule 4.2 has therefore been modified.
During 2006, a change to the rules was published to prohibit hitting the ball hard on the forehand with the edge of the stick. This is fully incorporated in this set of rules as rule 9.6. There is an important note to this rule explaining when the edge of the stick can be used on the forehand to play the ball safely. The note to rule 9.7 should also be studied carefully because it explains that a defender must not be penalized if they are genuinely trying to play the ball in a legitimate way when saving a shot at goal at any height.
Similarly, the note to rule 9.11 is intended to make the consequences of a ball striking the foot, hand or body clearer. Associated with its review of goalkeeping options, the HRB also considered the ways in which a goalkeeper is permitted to play the ball. The changes reflected in rule 10.2 permit a goalkeeper more flexibility when defending their goal. Other minor points of clarification are shown with lines marked in the margin. For completeness, various small drafting changes are marked in the same way.
RULES DEVELOPMENTS
The Hockey Rules Board recently reviewed its objectives. It did so in the context of the overall FIH objectives and the broad aims for the sport world-wide. As a result, its current focus is on :
• making the game easier to understand;
• reviewing and responding to safety requirements;
• ensuring that the game as represented by the rules of hockey is attractive for young players ;
• increasing the length of time the ball is in play and is in attack.
Some of these objectives are general and mean that the HRB regularly takes a broad look at all the rules. The reference to safety means that, as described in previous editions of the rules, the HRB will continue to review specific actions such as the penalty corner but will also take a wide view of safety throughout the game. The last objective above is more specific. The HRB still has in mind options such as “the three-out” requirement referred to in the introduction to the 2005 rules but will also be looking at other approaches. The HRB is therefore keen to receive suggestions for improvements in the rules either by way of changes or clarification of existing rules.
To provide a focus for this activity within the FIH, Roger Webb who has for some time been the Secretary to the HRB now holds the post of Technical Manager in the FIH Of.ce in Lausanne. He is happy to provide explanations of current rules or to receive and collate suggestions for changes. It is best to contact him by email through
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or the FIH postal address can be used.
THE FUTURE
This two-year edition of the Rules of Hockey covers the period including the Beijing Olympics in 2008. This is an important focus for hockey but the HRB is mindful that the rules apply at all levels. The Hockey Rules Board therefore aims to maintain the enjoyment of playing the game for women and men, for adults and children, and for social and elite players. This approach recognises the role of hockey as a sport for recreation and healthy exercise alongside the development of skills and that all of these things take place in the context of friendship through sport.
Courtesy : Federation of International de Hockey 
