PREFACE

RULES CHANGES

The Rule sof Indoor Hockey were last revised and publiched in 1996. A few minor changes were made in 1997 and 1998 and notified in addenda. Various changes have also been made to the outdoor Rule in the interim. Where appropriate, they have been incorporated in this Edition of the Indoor Rules.

In this respect, the Hockey Rules Board (HRB) believes that the indoor and outdoor Rules of Hockey should be consistent except when playing codes require a distinct difference.

However there is a small number of more significant changes to which attention is drawn below.

Rule 4 The Stick
After considerable discussion, the Rule has been re-worded and re-styled. Manufacturers and suppliers have been notified of the new wording and what steps need to be taken to obtain FIH approval. As such a procedure takes time, whilst the new regulation is effective immediately, it will become mandatory that only approved sticks will be acceptable from 1st January 2001 at International level and 1st January 2003 for all other levels.

Rule 6.4a Substitution
As in outdoor hockey, substitution (of either an attacker or defender) will now be permitted at the award of a penalty stroke.

Rule 7.2d Discipline
The Hockey Rules Board confirmed that the captain's responsibility for team discipline included their substitutes. The FIH and the Hockey Rules Board continue to be concerned by the level of misconduct, particularly off the field of play and directed at the umpire. The FIH has sent a Code of Conduct to all National Associations.

Rule 14.4 Penalties
The Indoor Rules now allow that if there is another offense by the offending team before the awarded penalty has been taken, the penalty may be progressed up to 5 meters, upgraded and/or dealt with as misconduct or reversed if committed by the previously benefiting team. Applied appropriately by umpires, theis Rule can help to deal with bad discipline and other unacceptable behaviour.

Rules Interpretations

Rule 13.1.1 b/c: Playing the Ball
The interpretation draws attention to the fact that a long pushing or sweeping stroke with the stick along the pitch before making contact with the ball is not permitted by the Rules. After making a push, it is also not permitted to follow through the stroke with the stick along the pitch such that the ball is dangerously propelled directly at an opponent.

Rule 13.1.2 d: Ball hitting foot
There is still concern that too many stoppages arise following the ball unintentionally hitting a player's foot. The wording of the advice has been made more positive to emphasize those circumstances under which no penalty shall be awarded.

Rule 15.2 Penalty Corner
An additional note has been added to draw attention to the possibility of any shot being dangerous if players are in the circle in front of goal.

Experimental Rules
Current
Edge of stick (Rule 4.5.a) A mandatory experiment has been operating in outdoor hockey for the last yearwhereby players may play the ball with the edge of the stick. This experiment has been incorporated in these Indoor Rules. It is relevant indoors, for example, the edge is sometimes used in a dragging motion to puch the ball or in making a tackle with the stick very low and parallel to the pitch. Because the ball must not be hit indoors, the impact on the stick will not be great.

Nevertheless, players should be aware that the majority of sticks in use have not been made for playing the ball in this way, and manufacturers may refuse replacement in case of breakage as a consequence of using the edge of the stick and there is concern about potential danger. However, this is not relevant indoors. Therefore, it is believed that this experiment is less controversial for indoor hockey but opinions are sought so that all views can be considered when a decision about the rule is finally made in the next year.

Future:
Penalty corner (Rule 15.2) There has been much comment about the danger involved with the existing Penalty Corner Rule. Therefore, trials are being conducted in outdoor hockey  to test a possible alternative which might be safer and less of a penalty when an unintentional foul has been committed. In due course, the HRB will review feedback from trials and will make decisions accordinly. the implications for indoor hockey will also be considered by the HRB but no change has been made in the current Indoor Rules relating to the penalty corner. However, views are welcome on this subject

Protective Equipment

The safety of players is paramount importance to the FIH, the HRB and those involved with he Rules of the game. It will take time to establish specifications which will meet the developing and varied national standards.

In the meantime, the HR asks all National Associations who can afford to enforce the wearing of permitted protective clothing to do so. It is particularly important that young people taking up hockey, and their coaches, are aware of the potential dangers and what they can wear to reduce them.

Hand protectors for goalkeepers, whether made in a single piece or otherwise, are accepted provided that goalkeepers are able to hold the stick in at least one hand and no attachments are permitted to hold the stick when not in the hand. There must be no danger to either the wearer or other players.

Rules Application

Although a players' game, hockey at all levels is even more enjoyable when it is played in the right spirit and supported by competent umpires. The International Hockey Federation and the Hockey Rules Board are concerned that the standard of umpiring should keep pace with other developments in the game. All involved are asked to put in hand umpiring development programmes to ensure that the Rules are administered as effectively as intended. To assist in this effort, the FIH is producing a video for world wide distribution. It is suitable for all levels of umpiring.
The penalties available within the Rules should be applied strictly, but fairly and sympathetically.

Conclusion

The challenges and opportunities facing hockey, both indoor and outdoor, over the next few years will require the attention of all involved in the game, at whatever level they are involved. The Rules will be only one part of meeting the future, and the Hockey Rules Board will play its part in keeping the game in the forefront of sport.

George Croft
Secretary
Hockey Rules Board
Walton-on-Thames
26 Stompond Lane
Surrey KT12 1HB
England