RULES OF HOCKEY (books for sale)

Updated on September 19, 2009

NCAA MODIFICATIONS

Updated on August 20, 2009

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Updated on August 17, 2009

2009 RULES COMPARISION CHART

Updated on July 25, 2009

VIDEO TUTORIAL DETAILS NEW FREE HIT RULE

Updated on July 18, 2009

USA Field Hockey Technical Director Terry Walsh, in conjunction with the FIH, has prepared a video to assist players, coaches and umpires with the understanding and implementation of the new rule governing free hits. CLICK HERE to view the video >>

NEW RULE BLOSSOMS DURING SPRING HOCKEY

Updated on July 15, 2009

On March 13, 2009, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) published the 2009 Rules of Hockey. Among the rule changes for 2009 was a new, mandatory experimental rule governing free hits, side-ins, hit-ins ("16's"), long corners and the center pass. This new rule, Rule 13.1 and 13.2, promises to make the game faster and more exciting for fans and participants, especially because of the introduction of the "self pass" — an action as unique to sport as the penalty corner is to hockey.

Although international competitions are not required to begin using the new rule until May 1, 2009, national governing bodies were empowered to begin using the rule before (or after) the date set by the FIH for competitions between nations. In order to help our umpires, coaches and players best prepare for the traditional fall hockey season, USA Field Hockey began using the rule immediately for all domestic competitions (including age group tournaments, state games, college club games, spring college games, Futures, adult leagues, etc.).

In the weeks since beginning to use this new rule, more than 40 questions about it have been submitted by players, coaches and umpires on USAFieldHockey.com. Steve Horgan, our nation's interpreter for the Rules of Hockey and NCAA modifications, has provided answers to help everyone understand how the new rule is to be officiated.

• Questions and Answers (updated August 5, 2009)
• Guidance for Umpires
• Rule 13.1 and 13.2, pages 29-32, from the 2009 Rules of Hockey
• Submit a Question (please check to see if the question has already been answered)

Please note that while the Euro Hockey League led to this change by playing with a similar “self pass” free hit rule in 2008, the EHL is now using the rule as published by the FIH. It is important to keep in mind, due to the popularity of Euro Hockey League’s videos, that the version of the rule played by the EHL in 2008 is different than the FIH rule. Therefore, while videos from the last season's EHL provide insight to the rule’s positive impact on the game, they are not specifically instructive with regard to how the FIH rule governs free hits. In its current season, the EHL is using the rule as written by the FIH, so new EHL videos will reflect global standards.