4 THE STICK 

1. descriptions and specifications in this Rule relate to the following diagram
2. the diagram shows the curved end of the stick placed on the Y axis which coincides with the line C

4.2 Shape

1. The stick shall be straight with once curved end
2. all edges shall be rounded
3. the entire stick hall be smooth and free of any rough or sharp projection
4. the stick in the area C - D shall be flat on the left had side only (ie the side shown in the diagram)

4.3 Playing Side

1. The playing side is the entire side shown in the diagram and the edges of that side which shall be rounded.

Players should be aware that manufacturers may refuse replacement of sticks which have been broken or damaged as a consequence of using the edge of the stick for hitting the ball as the majority of sticks have not been made for use in this way.

b. the non-playing side shall be rounded

4.4 Dimension and Weight

1. the length of the extended open curved end of the stick in the direction of the positive X axis is 100mm maximum (shown be the line D)
2. the stick may deviate from the line(s) A and/or A1 by a maximum of 20mm (shown by the lines B and B1 respectively)
3. inclusive of any additional coverings used, the stick shall pass through a ring having an interior diameter of 51mm.
4. The total weight shall not exceed 737 grams.

4.5 Ball Speed / Stick Speed Ratio
Ball speed shall not be higher than 98% of stick speed.

Method of Testing

Ball speed is determined at a stick speed of 80 km/hour (5 times) in the simulator of one of the F.I.H. approved laboratories.
Ball speed is calculated from the time the ball needs to pass two measuring points and is expressed as a ratio to the stick speed mentioned.
F.I.H. approved hockey balls are used (see appendix E to these rules).
Test is carried out at prevailing laboratory conditions: Temperature approx. 20C
Relative humidity approx. 50%
Manufacturers will be invited to submit (proto) types of sticks for testing and to send
the results to F.I.H. for approval. F.I.H. retains the right to test randomly for control purposes.

4.6 Materials and Colour

1. The stick and possible additions may be made of or contain (wood or) any material other than metal or metallic components, provided it is fit for the purpose of playing hockey and is no risk to health.
2. Tapes and resins may be applied to sticks provided that the surface remains smooth.

4.7 Limitation
a. The F.I.H. reserves the right to prohibit any type of stick which, in the opinion of its Hockey Rules Board, is unsafe or likely to have a detrimental impact on the playing of the game.

4.8 Liability

1. Players shall ensure that their equipment does not, by virtue of its quality, materials or design, constitute a danger to themselves or to others.
2. The F.I.H. shall not be liable for any consequences deriving from the choice of the equipment used by the players, nor for any defects it may have or its non-compliance. Any verification of equipment that might have been conducted before the game is limited to ensuring compliance of the overall external appearance of that equipment with purely sporting requirements.

The stick has had a traditional shape and this will be retained. No particular design has been approved, but the introduction of new more extreme shapes will no be permitted.

The Hockey Rules Board will continue to watch closely the performance of traditional and non-traditional materials and will restrict and/or forbid their use if they result in changes to the characteristics of the game or in danger to players.