The History of Hockey

In the Beginning...

The roots of hockey are buried deep in antiquity. Historical records show that a crude form of hockey was played in Egypt 4,000 years ago, and in Ethiopia around 1,000 BC. Various museums offer evidence that a form of the game was played by Romans and Greeks, and by the Aztec Indians in South America several centuries before Columbus landed in the New World. The modern game of hockey evolved in England in the mid-18th century, primarily around schools.

The first Olympic Hockey Competition for men was held in London in 1908 with England, Ireland and Scotland competing separately. After having made its first appearance in the 1908 Games, hockey was subsequently dropped from the 1912 Stockholm Games, and reappeared in 1920 in Antwerp before being omitted again in Paris in 1924. The Paris organisers refused to include hockey on the basis that the sport had no International Federation.

Hockey had made its first steps toward an International Federation when in 1909 the Hockey Association in England and the Belgium Hockey Association agreed to mutually recognise each other to regulate international hockey relations. The French Association followed soon after, but this was not considered sufficient.

The FIH is Born

Hockey took its most important step forward in 1924 when the International Hockey Federation, the world governing body for the sport, was founded in Paris under the initiative of Frenchman, Paul Léautey. Mr. Léautey, who would become the first President of the FIH, was motivated to action following hockey's omission from the program of the 1924 Paris Games.

Mr. Léautey called together representatives from seven National Federations to form the sport's international governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Hockey sur Gazon. The six founding members, which represented both men's and women's hockey in their countries, were Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Hungary, Spain and Switzerland.

Women join in the Fun

The women's game developed quickly in many countries and in 1927, the International Federation of Women's Hockey Associations (IFWHA) was formed. The founding members were Australia, Denmark, England, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, the United States and Wales. After celebrating their respective Golden Jubilees - the FIH in 1974 and the IFWHA in 1980 - the two organisations came together in 1982 to form the FIH.

The growth of the International Hockey Federation from its early beginnings has been most impressive. Denmark joined in 1925, the Dutch men in 1926, Turkey in 1927, and in 1928 - the year of the Amsterdam Olympics - Germany, Poland, Portugal and India joined. India's addition marked the membership of the first non-European country.

By 1964, there were already 50 countries affiliated with the FIH, as well as three Continental Associations - Africa, Pan America and Asia - and in 1974, there were 71 members. Today, the International Hockey Federation consists of five Continental Associations - Europe and Oceania have since joined - and 127 member associations.

Today and Beyond....

Today, the work of the International Hockey Federation is accomplished through the efforts of the FIH President and Honorary Secretary General, working together with an Executive Board, eight Committees, three Advisory Panels and the professional staff in its Lausanne headquarters.

In many ways, the FIH serves as the 'guardian' of the sport. It works in co-operation with both the national and continental organisations to ensure consistency and unity in hockey around the world. The FIH not only regulates the sport, but is also responsible for its development and promotion so as to guarantee a secure future for hockey.

The History of the Rules of Hockey

Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of the roots of the rules of hockey? Then read about how the game has evolved through the decades at the links below.

• History of Outdoor Rules
• History of Indoor Rules

• History of the Rules of Hockey - Indoor

  Early Indoor Rules

  Until 1966, the German Hockey Associations, in both West Germany and East Germany, had been producing a rules book for their domestic use which was used  by other European countries but not by Great Britain.
  Then in 1966,  the Germans handed over responsibility for the rules to the FIH Indoor Hockey Committee. Accordingly in 1966 the FIH Office in Brussels produced the first FIH Indoor Rules Book in three languages, German, French and English. Significantly, in 1968 the FIH recognised the indoor game by decreeing in its Constitution that hockey included indoor hockey.
  The FIH Indoor Hockey Committee continued to be responsible for the Indoor Rules Book  via the Brussels office, until responsibility for the indoor rules was transferred in 1988 to the Hockey Rules Board. 
  
  

  The Rules of Indoor Hockey

  1966 

  • Six players, including a goalkeeper and six substitutes, but only at specific situations in the game.
  • If any team was reduced to less than four players, the opponents were declared the winners.
  • Dimensions of pitch and goals (slightly smaller than those of outdoor hockey).
  • Hits not allowed – pushes only and no raised ball except when shooting at goal.
  • At penalty corners only the defending goalkeeper was permitted to stand in the goal until the ball was pushed out, with the other players required to stand outside the goal behind the back line on the opposite side from where the ball was being played - they could, after the ball was played, move into the goal-mouth.
  • The game was to be played on any hard, fast surface. Players' footwear and equipment were specified and goalkeepers' gloves were to be the same as for outdoor hockey.
  • No offside and no corners.
  • Playing time (originally 2 x 15 minutes) was increased to 2 x 20 minutes with lesser time for junior domestic matches.
  Several rules followed the basic principles of outdoor hockey including the stick and the ball although later the indoor ball was required to be seamless. In 1986 the rules book was re-written to conform as closely as possible to the rules of outdoor hockey.
  One indoor rule in 1966 provided for a penalty stroke from 7 metres to be awarded for 'any grave and unsporting behaviour by a team in its own half of the ground'. Also, there was the rule providing that a penalty corner be awarded for a deliberate offence within a player's own half. In 1966 a player could be temporarily suspended 'for unsporting behaviour' for two to five minutes or be suspended for the remainder of the game and an incapacitated or suspended goalkeeper had to be replaced by another goalkeeper.
  Finally, the use of the hand to stop the ball in the air during play or at penalty corners by players other than the goalkeeper was permitted until 1992.
  
  

  1974:

  • Players must not stand in their opponents' goal mouth.
  • Time prolonged at half-time and full-time to allow penalty corners to be completed.
  • Prior to a revised edition in 1976 - the provision to forbid substitutions after the award of a penalty corner or penalty stroke.

  1975/6:

  • A player's stick must be on the ground when playing the ball for a shot at goal.
  • A player may not hit or play the ball in the air (but could stop it).
  • Players may not take part in the game whilst lying on the pitch except for goalkeepers within their own circles, introduced because players were lying on the pitch thus reducing the playing area and causing unwanted obstruction.

  1978:

  • An injured player was permitted to be substituted during normal play (but only the injured player).
  • It was also made clear that an umpire's jurisdiction also extended to all players including those occupying the team benches.

  1979:

  • The substitution of a goalkeeper by a field player with the privileges of a goalkeeper  was required to wear a different coloured shirt.
  • A provision was inserted to permit substitution of incapacitated goalkeepers at penalty corners and penalty strokes.
  • The coloured card procedure (green, yellow, red) was formally introduced.
  • Permitting a shot at goal after the ball had been stopped (by hand or stick) either inside or outside the circle.
  • At a free push all opposition players had to be at least three metres from the ball.
  • For all free pushes within three metres of the circle, all players had to be three metres from the ball.
  • Free pushes for the ball going over the side-boards could be taken up to one metre from the boards.

  1986:

  A total revision of the rules book appeared based on that of the outdoor rules book and included Guidance and Advice for Players and Umpires.
  • No player (except the goalkeeper) to play with knees, arms or hands on the pitch in the act of playing the ball or stopping it at penalty corners.
  • In normal play the hand holding the stick was permitted to be on the pitch for tackling purposes.
  • Goalkeepers were not permitted to play the ball outside the circle whilst lying on the ground.
  • Players were now not permitted to deliberately enter within (as well as stand in) an opponents' goal mouth, or run behind the goals.
  
  

  1990-92

  • The award of a penalty stroke for unsporting behaviour in a player's half of the pitch was deleted.
  • Requirements relating to personal equipment, including helmets used by goalkeepers.
  • Goalkeepers allowed to stop the ball with their stick above their shoulder.
  • Field players, when acting as goalkeepers, not permitted to wear helmets outside the circle but compulsory for defending penalty corners and penalty strokes, 1992.
  The Hockey Rules Board brought indoor hockey in line with the outdoor game by abolishing all use of the hand except by goalkeepers defending their goal including also abolishing the hand stop at penalty corners. This was somewhat controversial as it was pointed out by indoor hockey followers that this would prevent a legitimate high shot at goal being stopped by hand by a field player at penalty corners. However, the rule has now found general acceptance given the fact that hockey was to be regarded as a stick and ball game. 
  
  

  1996 

  • Centre pass to start or re-start the game in any direction.
  • The free push must move at least 10 centimetres before another player of the same team can play the ball and it did not need not be taken on the exact spot of the offence but within playing distance.
  • Goalkeepers permitted to wear 'hand protectors' which were no longer referred to as gauntlets or with any reference to fingers and which were subject to size limitations (23 centimetres wide and 35.5 centimetres long).
  • The obstruction rule was simplified and included holding the ball against the side-board as an offence.
  The new 1996 book also included Technical Advice, an innovation introduced to assist nations to start  or improve indoor hockey facilities. 
  
  

  2000

  • Stick specification was agreed - a diagram of the stick was included in the Indoor Rule Book.
  • A mandatory experiment relating to play with the edge of the stick.
  • Substitution of an attacker or defender permitted at the award of a Penalty Stroke.
  • The captain’s responsibility for team discipline was increased to include substitutes.
  • For a further offence before the awarded penalty has been taken, the penalty may be progressed up to five metres, upgraded and/or dealt with as misconduct, or reversed if committed by the previously benefiting team

  2004

  This was the first update of the indoor Rules since 2000. It was therefore appropriate to incorporate the relevant minor changes which had been introduced to the outdoor Rules in the interim. The overall presentation of indoor hockey was also simplified by adopting common indoor and outdoor Rules where appropriate but retaining the distinctive characteristics of each version of the game. 
  • in common with outdoor hockey, permitting a captain to be on the pitch or, at particular times in the match, to be a substitute;
  • making the Rules governing substitution the same for indoor and outdoor hockey (ie at any time except within the period from the award of a penalty corner until after it has been completed);
  • simplifying and standardising how a penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes and at the end of half-time and full-time;
  • requiring field players who leave the pitch for injury treatment, refreshment, to change equipment or for some reason other than substitution to re-enter only within 3 metres of the centre-line;
  • specifying how the result of a match is decided;
  • rationalising procedures for starting and re-starting play so that the procedures for taking a free push also apply to the centre pass and to putting the ball back into play after it has passed completely over the side-board or back-line;
  • retaining the fundamental characteristics of the bully but simplifying it by requiring sticks to touch only once;
  • specifying that players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally;
  • simplifying the obstruction Rule by referring in the Rule itself only to the fundamental principle that players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball;
  • specifying that players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact;
  • specifying the 'advantage Rule' more simply and clearly;
  • introducing the Mandatory Experimental Rule to indoor hockey which permitted a defender to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height;
  • introducing the Mandatory Experimental Rule to indoor hockey which specified that the ball must travel outside the circle but need not be stopped before a shot at a goal at a penalty corner; this replaced the previous requirement that the ball must be stopped or come to rest inside or outside the circle before a shot could be taken;
  • requiring the player taking a penalty stroke to start by standing behind and within playing distance of the ball and not permitting them to approach either the ball or the goalkeeper after taking the stroke (ie the former limitation of taking only one step forward was deleted);
  • specifying that the whistle must be blown to start a penalty stroke when both players are in position (rather than requiring the umpire to confirm that both are ready which can cause confusion in the absence of a common spoken language);
  • it was specified that the penalty stroke is taken again if a goalkeeper prevents a goal being scored but leaves the goal-line or moves either foot before the ball was played;
  • permitting the intended duration of a temporary suspension to be extended for misconduct by a player while suspended;
  • introducing new umpiring signals to indicate dangerous play  and stick obstruction.

  2005

  
  
  • permitting a defender to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height;
  • requiring the ball to travel outside the circle before a shot at goal at a penalty corner but not requiring it to be stopped.

  2006

    The only change this year was to the maximum bow/rake permitted in the stick. It was reduced from 50mm to 25mm.
  
  

  2007/8

  • permitting a team either to have a goalkeeper on the field (with full protective equipment or only with protective headgear) or to play entirely with field players (in which case no player has goalkeeping privileges).
  • specifying the face protection which field players are permitted to wear especially in relation to defending a penalty corner.
  • clarifying that a defender must not be penalised if their stick is not motionless or is travelling towards the ball while attempting to stop or deflect the shot even when the ball is above shoulder height.
  • permitting a goalkeeper to use their hands, arms or any other part of their body (and not just their stick, kickers and leg-guards as hitherto) to move the ball away but only as part of a goal saving action and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance.

  2009

  • a pitch should be the full-size of 44 metres by 22 metres unless this is not possible in particular sports halls;
  • to enable teams to review their game plans and tactics, “time-outs” were introduced; 
  • as in the 2009 rules for field/outdoor hockey, the player taking the free push may use a “self-pass” whereby they continue playing the ball immediately after taking the free push;
  • additionally, free pushes taken by a team inside the half of the pitch they are attacking must not be played directly into the circle from a free push; it must be played by another player or touch the side-boards.
  The major changes above were all implemented as Mandatory Experimental Rules to ensure they were monitored and reviewed.  Other smaller changes provided clarification and explanation of certain rules:
  • how to deal with a team which has too many players on the pitch;
  • the roles and actions when playing with a goalkeeper, a field player with goalkeeping privileges or only with field players were clarified;
  • the circumstances in which a goalkeeper or field player with goalkeeping privileges can move the ball away using their hands, arms or body;
  • the ways in which a penalty corner is completed were all consolidated within the penalty corner Rule.

  2011

  the “self-pass” rule which had been introduced as a mandatory experimental rule in 2009 was confirmed as a full rule.  The restriction on pushing the ball directly into the circle from free pushes in the attacking half of the pitch was amended to permit the ball to enter the circle directly after touching the side-board outside the circle.  Subject to this change,  the former mandatory experimental rule was confirmed as a full rule.
  The rule which specified that “players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally” was deleted.  Any action of this sort can instead be dealt with under other Rules.
  The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty corner were listed in detail fro the first time.  The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke were rationalised.
  
  

  Conclusion:

  With rule changes not everything can be covered and many alterations and amendments were made to the indoor book which followed previous action taken for hockey as a whole. This kept with the policy of keeping the indoor game as near as possible to the rules of outdoor hockey
  Note Editions of the Indoor Hockey Rules Book were issued as follows:
  FIH 1966, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986-88
  HRB 1988-90, 1990-92, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007/8, 2009, 2011
  This History of the Rules of Indoor Hockey is based on research initially conducted on behalf of the Hockey Rules Board by Ernest Wall in 2000.

• History of the Rules

  Just like the history of the game itself, the official hockey rules have constantly evolved throughout the years. Take a look back at how the game was played in the past and see what warranted a whistle in previous generations.The following chronology begins with the extracts from the 1876 rules gleaned from the Surbiton Hockey Club minute book.
  
  

  1876

  • the pitch was 100-150 yards long and  50- 80 yards wide; goals consisted of 7 feet tall posts placed 6 yards apart;
  • the sticks were “curved and wooden approved by the Committee of the Association”   the ball was an “ordinary sized cricket ball”;
  • offside is specified as requiring three opponents to be near their own goal-line
  • if the ball goes out of play over the side-line  play was restarted by rolling the ball back into the field at right angles to the line;
  • players were not permitted to raise their stick above their shoulder;
  • a circle does not seem to be marked on the pitch but the rules do say that “no goals shall be allowed if the ball be hit from a distance of more than 15 yards from the nearest goalpost”;
  • if a rule was infringed “the ball shall be brought back and a bully shall take place”;
  • the flat playing side of the stick is not defined but the rules do say that “the ball shall be played from right to left”.

  1886

  • The Hockey Association (England) drew up a code of Rules based on those used by clubs in the London area
  • the pitch should be 100 yards long by 55 to 60 yards wide; goals should be 4 yards wide with a cross bar 7 feet from the ground; there would be a striking circle with a radius of 15 yards; flags (not lines) indicated the 25 yards area;
  • the game was to be started (and re-started after a goal) by a bully which involved three taps of the stick between two players at the centre spot; a bully would also be taken at 25 yards after the ball had gone over the back-line;
  • all non-involved players had to be 5 yards from the ball at free hits, rolls-in and bullies; rolls-in by hand were used to put the ball into play after it had gone over the side-line;
  • teams comprised eleven players - five forwards, three half-backs, two full-backs and one goalkeeper; no substitutes were allowed
  • the game was controlled either by two umpires or one umpire (referee) assisted by two linesmen;
  • hockey sticks were made of wood with leather-covered handles;
  • balls used were traditional leather-covered cricket balls painted white;
  • there was no mention of goalkeepers equipment;
  • the ball was played with one side of the stick (the left hand side) only; the ball could not be played above the shoulder or with the rounded side (back) of the stick;
  • it was not permitted to kick, trip, shove, or obstruct an opponent;
  • hands and feet could be used to stop the ball but then had to be moved out of the way; feet and legs could not to be used behind the ball to resist opponents;
  • goalkeepers could kick the ball but only within their own circles;
  • hooking of sticks was allowed but only within striking distance of the ball;
  • offside (with less than 3 defenders) was applied from the half-way line;
  • a bully was taken in the circle for an offence by a defender; free hits were given for other fouls.

  1900

  The International Rules Board (later the Hockey Rules Board) was formed on 23 April 1900 in London by the men's Hockey Associations of England, Ireland and Wales; the Rules of the Game were decided thereafter by the Board. The first meeting of the International Rules Board was held on the 25 July 1900.  Advantage was recognised; not every offence was to be penalised immediately.
  
  

  1904

  Intentional undercutting and raising the ball from a hit was to be penalised. The scoop stroke was permitted.
  
  

  1905

  Each umpire was to take half of the pitch for the whole game without changing ends and to take decisions on rolls-in for the whole of their side-line, but not for corners. Umpires were also empowered to warn and/or suspend players from the game. A weight limit of 28 ounces was laid down for sticks. The width of the pitch could be up to 66 yards.
  
  

  1907

  Umpires were allowed to apply the Rules without waiting for an appeal. Prior to this time appeals had to be made by players before an umpire could give a decision.
  
  

  1908

  The penalty corner was introduced for offences by defenders in the circle. At a penalty corner, the Rules required the ball to be stopped before a shot at goal but this was not umpired rigorously.  All defenders were behind the goal-line with attacking players outside the circle. The bully was replaced by a penalty bully for deliberately stopping a certain goal.
  
  

  1927

   Advantage was formally written as Rule. By this time there were routinely two umpires for each match.
  
  

  1936

  Notes and suggestions for umpires were included in the Rules book. Later this became an appendix entitled 'Advice to Umpires'.
  
  

  1938

  Any form of interference with the stick of an opponent, including hooking of sticks, was forbidden as was the use of any part of the body, except the hand, to stop the ball.
  
  

  1949

   Deliberate offences by defenders within the 25 yards area and persistent offences by defenders at corners were given a penalty corner.
  
  

  1957

   The 25 yards bully after a ball had gone over the back line was replaced by a free hit at 16 yards.
  
  

  1959

  Umpires were empowered to suspend players for a temporary period.
  
  

  1961

  At a penalty corner and for corners, a maximum of six defenders were behind the back line with the remainder of the team at the 25 yardline.
  
  

  1963

   The penalty bully was replaced by a penalty stroke taken from a spot 8 yards from the goal. For a penalty corner, the remainder of the defending team were moved to be behind the centre (and not just the 25 yards) line.
  
  

  1970-1979

  • The roll-in from side-line was replaced by a push-in.
  •  Offside was changed from three to two defenders.
  • Two substitutes were permitted but once substituted a player was not permitted to return.
  • A penalty stroke was  awarded for a deliberate offence by a defender in the circle, regardless of whether a goal might have been scored
  •  The first common Rule book for men and women was published. Changes made at this time included:
  • at a penalty corner the ball was to be stopped motionless by an attacker before a shot at goal; there was to be no latitude;
  • notes on the Rules became 'Guidance for Players and Umpires';
  • a code of signals for umpires was published for the first time;
  • a temporary suspension for offending player(s) was to be at least 5 minutes;
  • the width of the pitch was specified as 60 yards;
  • the penalty stroke spot was moved from 8 to 7 yards from the goal-line.
  •  Colour control cards (green, yellow, red) were introduced into the Rules book
  
  

  1984

  • 1980a hit-in replaced the push-in from the side line;
  • a pass back replaced the centre bully to start or re-start the game;
  • the bully was retained only for accidents or unforeseen events;
  • the Rule explicitly limiting the height to which the stick could be raised was deleted
  • the use of the hand except by a goalkeeper was abolished;
  • at free hits only opponents had to be 5 yards from the ball
  • no free hits to the attacking team were to be taken within five yards of the circle.
  •  The “long” corner was changed from being similar to the penalty corner to instead essentially being a free hit taken from a spot on the goal-line within 5 yards of the corner flag with all players (other than the striker) at least 5 yards from the ball.
  • Definitions of 'Hockey Terminology' were included for the first time.

  1987

  • the number of defenders behind the back line at penalty corners was reduced from six to five;
  • at corners and 16 yard hits only opponents were required to be 5 yards from the ball;
  • at penalty corners the first hit at goal should not cross the goal-line higher than 18 inches and if the ball travelled more than 5 yards outside the circle then the penalty corner Rules no longer applied;
  • the penalty corner was finished after the ball the ball travelled 5 yards from the outer edge of the circle;
  • offside applied only in the 25 yards area;
  • a deliberately raised ball falling into the circle was to be penalised;
  • free hits to defenders could be taken within the circle;
  • at free hits to the attacking team within five yards of the circle all players had to be five yards from the ball.

  1994

   Captains were made responsible for their team’s behaviour and for substitutions. Goalkeepers were required to wear protective headgear.
  
  

  1995 

  • at a free hit the ball was required to move at least 1 yard;
  • umpires were empowered to order a free hit to be advanced by 10 yards for dissent or a subsequent offence;
  • goalkeepers were permitted to deflect (in addition to stop as hitherto) a ball above their shoulder;
  • substitution was allowed at penalty corners and penalty strokes;
  • the ball was put back into play at a penalty corner from a spot exactly 10 yards from the goal-post and not at least 10 yards as hitherto.

  1996

  • at a penalty corner the ball had to be stopped outside the circle before a shot at goal could be made;
  • the pass-back to start or restart the game became a centre pass which could be played in any direction;
  • goalkeepers' gauntlets were re-named 'hand protectors' with a maximum length of 9 inches and a maximum width of 14 inches.
  • Mandatory Experimental Rules introduced were:
  • no offside;
  • players may not intentionally enter their opponents goal, stand on their opponents goal-line or intentionally run behind either goal;
  • a corner to be taken on a spot on the side line 5 yards from the corner flag;
  • within the 25 yards area all players, except the taker, to be 5 yards from the ball at free hits, hits-in and 16 yards hits.

  1998

  • substitutions at penalty corners were no longer permitted except for an injured defending goalkeeper but were still permitted at penalty strokes;
  • all measurements and distances were now stated in metric form with an imperial-metric conversion table included at the end of the Rules book;
  • 'Technical Information and Advice' was published as an appendix
  • metric rather than imperial measurements and distances.

  1999

  • acknowledgement of a continuing study of the composition of the stick but metal and metallic substances were already banned;
  • an experimental Rule allowing use of the edge of the stick subject to the normal safety considerations;
  • clarification of the Rule when a goalkeeper is suspended at a penalty corner; another goalkeeper must be the replacement with the team consequently having to withdraw one field player until the period of suspension is completed;
  • the  experimental Rule to require prolongationfor completion of a penalty corner at half-time and full-time was confirmed as a Rule.

  2000

  • more precise specification of the shape, size, weight and material of the stick
  • a broken white line to be marked on the pitch 5 metres from and beyond the circle line;
  • the ball was put back into play at a penalty corner from a spot on the back-line inside the circle 

  2001

  Allowing the edge of the stick to be used to play the ball was incorporated as a formal Rules change with effect from 2002.
  
  

  2002

  Using the edge of the stick to play the ball was confirmed as a formal Rule and when the penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes was clarified.
  
  

  2003

  • defenders were permitted to use their stick above their shoulder to stop or deflect a shot at goal;
  • it was no longer necessary to stop the ball outside the circle before a shot could be taken at a penalty corner but, instead, the ball was only required to travel outside the circle.

  2004

  • This year saw  a radically revised Rules Book. The Rules had been completely re-written to make them easier to understand. The opportunity was taken to simplify a few Rules without changing any of the fundamental characteristics of the game.
  • simplifying how a penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes and at the end of half-time and full-time;
  • requiring field players who leave the field for some reason other than substitution to re-enter only between the 23 metres areas;
  • specifying how the result of a match is decided;
  • rationalising procedures for starting and re-starting play so that the procedures for taking a free hit also apply to the centre pass 
  • retaining the fundamental characteristics of the bully but simplifying it by requiring sticks to touch only once;
  • deleting the Rule which specified that a ball must not be raised intentionally so that it lands directly in the circle was deleted;
  • simplifying the obstruction Rule
  • specifying that players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact;
  • requiring the player taking a penalty stroke to start by standing behind and within playing distance of the ball and not permitting them to approach either the ball or the goalkeeper after taking the stroke
  • specifying that the whistle must be blown to start a penalty stroke when both players are in position
  • rationalising how offences at a penalty stroke are dealt with
  • permitting the intended duration of a temporary suspension to be extended for misconduct by a player while suspended;
  • introducing new umpiring signals to indicate dangerous play and stick obstruction 
  
  

  2007

  • The Hockey Rules Board (HRB) went to a two-year cycle for all Rule Changes, the major changes in 2007 included:
  • permitting a team either to have a goalkeeper on the field or to play entirely with field players.
  • specifying the face protection which field players are permitted to wear especially in relation to defending a penalty corner.
  • prohibiting hitting the ball hard on the forehand with the edge of the stick.
  • a defender is not  penalised if their stick is not motionless or travelling towards the ball while attempting to stop or deflect the shot 
  • permitting a goalkeeper to use their hands, arms or any other part of their body to move the ball away but only as part of a goal saving action and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance.
  
  

  2009

  • A “self-pass” from a free hit was introduced.  It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball themselves again after taking the free hit to encourage free-flowing hockey. Small changes to wording and some additional notes were included to improve interpretation of certain rules.  In particular, the following were clarified:
  • if a team which has too many players on the field, time ise stopped  and a personal penalty awarded against the captain.
  • the ways in which a penalty corner is completed were all consolidated within the penalty corner Rule.
  
  

  2011

  • The “self-pass” rule and restrictions on hitting the ball directly into the circle from free hits in the attacking 23 metres area which had been introduced as mandatory experimental rules in 2009 were confirmed as full rules.
  • The rule which specified that “players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally” was deleted.  Any action of this sort can instead be dealt with under other Rules.  “Anywhere inside the circle” was deleted from the rule which said that “a free hit awarded inside the circle to the defence is taken anywhere inside the circle or up to 15 metres from the back-line in line with the location of the offence, parallel to the side-line”.
  • The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty corner were listed in detail for the first time.  The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke were rationalised.

  2013

  • “Own goal” introduced; that is, a goal can be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender.
  • The ball can be raised directly and intentionally from a free hit using a push, flick or scoop action so long as the action is safe.
  • Both changes above were introduced as “mandatory experimental rules” so they apply at all levels of hockey but will be monitored closely.
  • Now that the ball can be lifted directly from a free hit, the Rule requiring two separate actions when taking the free hit and requiring the ball to move at least one metre before a teammate can play the ball were deleted.
  • Other clarifications included: reviewing umpiring decisions after the completion of time; not taking a bully within five metres of the circle.
  • Revised stick specification which incorporates a new way of measuring the stick bow/rake.