Teams will no longer have the option of playing with a “Player With Goalkeeping Privileges” or “Kicking Back”. This leaves the option of all players being outfield players, or using a Goalkeeper (a Goalkeeper to have goalkeeping privileges MUST wear a helmet, leg guards and kickers – other keeping kit is optional).

If an outfield player defends a Penalty Stroke, then they may wear a face mask (not a helmet) and may only use their stick to stop a goal.

Substitutions may take place after a Penalty Stroke is awarded and so a Goalkeeper may be brought on to defend a Penalty Stroke if a team have one kitted up and available. This is not an option at a Penalty Corner.

#2 – Attacking Hits within 5 meters of the D

For an attacking free hit within 5 meters of the D all players must now retreat to 5 meters away – including those in the D.

If the hit is taken quickly by a self-pass though defenders in the D may still shadow inside the D until the ball has moved 5 meters.

#3 – Attackers entering the D early at a Penalty Corner

If an attacker enters the D early at a Penalty Corner then the INJECTOR is sent to the half way line and the Penalty Corner taken again.

Attackers or Defenders sent to the half way line may not come back for re-taken Penalty Corners, but may do so if a whole new Penalty Corner is awarded.

#4 – Defensive Free Hits awarded inside the D

If a free hit is awarded to the Defence inside the D, the hit may be taken anywhere inside the D OR moved up to 16 meters from the backline in line with where the hit was awarded.

#5 – End of a Penalty Corner

The rule stating that a Penalty Corner is over for substitution purposes, or to end a Penalty Corner at the end of a half in over time when the ball leaves the D for a second time has been removed. So just ignore how many times the ball leaves the D and play on.

#6 – Dropped Equipment in the D

If a probable goal is prevented by the ball striking a piece of dropped equipment by the Defence, then a Penalty Stroke may be awarded. Previously this would have been a Penalty Corner.

Any further questions can be directed to our Umpire Co-Ordinator, Rob Povey.