Everything you need to know about the new rule changes for the 2022 season

Three Key Rules Changes

There are three major rule changes to understand. Below is a summary of these changes. There is also information available on the FIH website you can access by clicking here.

Change to Rule 4.2 – Removing of Penalty Corner Protective Equipment:

Rule 4.2 has been changed to allow for defending players using Penalty Corner protective equipment to continue to play the ball outside the circle after gaining possession during the taking of a penalty corner. Players can now continue to run with the ball while keeping their protective equipment on, but they must safely remove that same equipment at the first opportunity to do so, and always inside the defensive 23m area. No player using Penalty Corner protective equipment can play the ball outside the 23m area at any time.

The video below provides an example of a player correctly adhering to the new rule. The defending player continues playing with their protective gear but does not cross the 23 metre area, as allowed under the new rule change.

Change to Rule 9.10 – Aerial Ball:

Rule 9.10 has been changed to allow for the playing of what is commonly referred to as Aerial Ball. Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled, and is on the ground. An exception is that an aerial ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance of the receiver, provided it is done safely. Playing distance is defined as the distance within which a player is capable of reaching the ball to play it.

The videos below provides different game contexts for the application of the new rule change.  

In the video above the attacker (Australia) is the initial receiver, the defender (Argentina) is within 5 metres and tries to interfere with play. Therefore under the new rule a free hit or advantage to the attacker is the correct decision.

In the video above the ball is received safely by the attacker (India), and the defender (New Zealand) attempted to safely intercept the aerial ball within 5 metres but outside of playing distance. Since the defender is outside the playing distance and there is no danger there is no infringement.

The defender must then retreat to allow the receiver to bring the ball under control before then re-engaging in the contest. 

The above video is an example of how the ball can be intercepted safely, within 5 metres of the intended receiver but outside of the playing distance. The interception has be made safely at speed, and the ball has been moved into space therefore not creating any danger. Play on is the correct decision.

Umpiring Guidance/tips:

• This new rule has been changed to allow a fairer contest to compete for aerial ball in a safe manner
• Ensure you read rule 9 in its entirety including supporting notes
• The initial receiver of an aerial ball has the right to the ball. If it is not clear which player is the initial receiver, the player(s) of the team which raised the ball must allow the opponent to receive it.
• Safety of all players is still the key consideration. The lower the level of player skill, the higher the level of player safety should be applied when umpiring aerial ball.
• Apply early recognition of danger and/or advantage gained when considering a penalty
• A player approaching from outside the 5 metres can legitimately intercept the ball in an uncontested situation in which players of opposing teams are not within playing distance of each other, and the interception is done safely and does not cause the playing distance between such players to be reduced
  

Removal of Rule 13.5g

Rule 13.5g has been removed. It stated that the awarding of a bully could be one of the conditions that would determine the completion of a penalty corner. This is no longer possible, as now any stoppage of play for injury or other applicable reasons during the taking of a penalty corner is a retake of the penalty corner as per Rule 6.5d

Umpiring guidance/tips:

• Read rules 13 and Rule 6 in their entirety including the supporting notes.
  

Additional Rule Change

The following rule change is essentially clarifying and correcting the existing rule change in the FIH Rules of Hockey 2022.

Removal of Rule 2.2

The previous Rule 2.2, allowing teams to play with a field player with Goalkeeping privileges has been removed from the rule book.

For any questions or further support regarding the 2022 outdoor hockey rule changes; these can be directed to Hockey NZ Technical Manager Colin French colin.french@hockeynz.co.nz