More changes in rules in offing

More changes in rules in offing
UNITED NEWS OF INDIA

FEB 19: More changes are in the offing in the rules of hockey. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is contemplating more radical alterations to make the game more attractive and viewer friendly.

The rule board of the FIH had already earlier made sweeping changes which have made dramatic impact on the game. The earlier changes were:

Elimination of offside, prolonging play to permit the completion of a penalty corner at half-time and full-time, substitutions at penalty corners not permitted, except for an injured (or suspended) defending goalkeeper (though they are still permitted at penalty strokes). Introduction of the mandatory experimental rule allowing use of the edge (but not the rounded side) of the stick, subject to the normal safety considerations.

Now the FIH's rules board has proposed more stringent action against deliberate fouls and misbehaviour by the players.

It is of the view that players indulging in deliberate fouls are often not penalised correctly.It wants to place greater emphasis in the rules on such acts that can negate the promotion of skilful play.

The board is of the opinion that besides putting the game in bad light deliberate fouls they also disrupt the fast and furious game.

The board has also expressed its concern over the increasing levels of misconduct by the players and has decided to impose more stringent penalties

Substitute players when not on the field, are still under the control of the umpires. It has been decided that they can be cautioned, warned, temporarily or permanently suspended. In the event of a suspension, the number of players on the field will be reduced accordingly.

According to an FIH release, the important changes proposed by the rule board include: Short "distance" markings on the side and back-lines of the field. They are to be placed outside the field of play, rather than inside, as at present.This will help avoid undue wear and uneven surfaces, especially on synthetic pitches.

It has also been decided to convert the penalty corner markings on the back-line to 5m And 10m. The existing 4.55m and 9.10m markings are inconsistent with other rules.

These change will be effective immediately for any new pitches but those with existing markings will still be permitted. The wording of the rules will accommodate both existing and new pitch markings.

Captain: the need for each team to have a captain (who must wear a distinctive arm-band) actually on the field of play is no longer considered to be necesseary given the use of rolling substitutions.

As per the new rule the captain could be on the field or, at particular times in a game, could be on the substitute's bench. However if a captain is suspended, a replacement must be indicated.

Goalkeepers restricted: When goalkeepers participate in play outside their normal areas, it is confusing to players and spectators. The board has become increasingly concerned about the involvement of goalkeepers in the completion of the penalty corner at half and full-time.

The new rules makes it clear that goalkeepers cannot play outside their own half of the field, unless taking a penalty stroke.

Penalty corner experiment discontinued: The experiment to essentially simplify the existing penalty corner, mooted a year ago, appears to be a worthwhile objective based on feedback from National associations that conducted them voluntarily. It is not clear that the version used in the trial addressed all the issues associated with the current penalty corner or, for example, provided adequately for the unintentional and intentional offences that currently lead to this award.

Now the board has decided that the experiment be discontinued but that the information gathered to be utilised for the future.