S.C.H.U.A. 2019 Rules Briefing

2019 Rule Changes No PWGKP 4 Quarters – 60 minute Game Aerial Passes Loose Equipment in Circle PCs at End of Quarter/Half PCs – Breaking Early Facemasks Implications on PC Support Positions Attacking Free Hits within 5m of circle Free Hits Inside the Circle

2019 Rule Changes Player with Goalkeeping Privileges No Longer exists No “Kicking Backs”

2019 Rule Changes Player with Goalkeeping Privileges Tips: When a goalkeeper is substituted, make sure they take all their equipment with them. If they do not leave their helmet, gauntlets etc., no-one can be tempted to put them on. If players think they can use that equipment, easier to have the conversation at the point of substitution than when a PC is awarded.

2019 Rule Changes 4 Quarters of 15 minutes This does not apply to any matches appointed to by SCHUA. Except any EH Tier 1 cup matches where the game is 4 x 17.5m quarters. All other matches continue to be 2 x 35 minutes.

2019 Rule Changes Aerial Passes Despite what you may have heard or read on social media, there are no changes to the rules for aerial passes. Internationally further guidance has been given because the rules for falling aerial passes were not being applied correctly. They are in SCHUA.

2019 Rule Changes Loose Equipment in the Circle If the ball hits any equipment lying in the circle that stops a probable goal, then a penalty stroke may be awarded. The rules do not stipulate that it has to be a piece of defender’s equipment but common sense should prevail.

2019 Rule Changes PCs at the End of a Quarter/Half The PC now does not end if the ball leaves the circle for a second time. If play is stopped for an injury or for any other reason during a PC at the end of a quarter/half and a bully would otherwise be awarded, the PC must be taken again. The other reasons for ending a PC are unchanged.

2019 Rule Changes PCs – Breaking Early If an attacker breaks into the circle early at a PC, the injector goes to the halfway line. Anyone can take the place of the injector. As with defenders that break the line early, that injector must stay on the half-way line for any retaken PC.

2019 Rule Changes PCs – Breaking Early Tips: Both umpires need to note (at least mentally) the number(s) of the player(s) that have been sent to the half-way line. Both umpires need to ensure that those players remain on the half-way line for any retake of the PC.

2019 Rule Changes Facemasks A field player defending a penalty stroke can only wear a face mask, not a goalkeeping helmet. (Obviously they can only use their stick to save the ball). For PCs, a defender is allowed to wear their face mask for the duration of that penalty corner “including the immediate taking of a free hit awarded after a penalty corner when passing the ball to another player”. Note that the player cannot self-pass with a face mask.

2019 Rule Changes Facemasks Tips: Note that this covers free hits (i.e. after an offence) and not defensive hits (16s) when the ball goes out of play. If there is an offence by the attacking team AND the ball goes out of play, blow for the offence. This gives the defenders the option to take a free hit quickly, still with a facemask on. If a player does self-pass with a facemask on, it is not a serious offence and the free hit should be re-taken, not reversed.

2019 Rule Change Implications Penalty Corner Support Positions Yellow – Options you might have seen being tried on TV Blue – Typical position without video umpire Internationally, umpires have been asked to try different positions (with the safety net of video umpires). In domestic hockey, talk to your colleague to see what they want. Be aware that, with the new rules on facemasks and, particularly, taking defensive quick free hits from anywhere in the circle; you must be ready to get back to cover quicker breaks towards your circle.

2019 Rule Changes Attacking Free Hits within 5m of the Circle By default, everyone now needs to be 5m even if they are inside the circle. If the free hit is taken immediately (so that there is no chance for players to get 5m) players should not be punished unless they interfere with play. i.e. the rules are now more consistent with what happens elsewhere on the pitch.

2019 Rule Changes Attacking Free Hits within 5m of the Circle However, if the free hit is taken immediately (so that there is no chance for players to get 5m) defending players inside the circle can shadow the player taking a self-pass around the inside – exactly as previously.

2019 Rule Changes Attacking Free Hits Within 5m of the Circle Tips: Use your voice!! Encourage everyone to get 5m in exactly the same way that you would everywhere else. Do not over-manage or get into strange positions. Immediately means immediately – if the team has to retrieve the ball, it is not immediate.

2019 Rule Changes Free Hits Inside the Circle A free hit awarded to the defence inside the circle can be taken anywhere up to 15m in line with where the offence occurred (as now). Additionally, it can also be taken anywhere inside the circle.

2019 Rule Changes Free Hits Inside the Circle Tips: If there is an offence by the attacking team in the circle AND the ball goes out of play, blow for the offence. This gives the defenders the option to take a free hit quickly from anywhere in the circle. Do not allow defenders to fake and then move the ball to a different position. Reset and let the team start again.

2019 Rule Changes Free Hits Inside the Circle Tips: There are now options to take free hits more quickly than before (anywhere in circle and with facemask). Watch for immediate breakdowns of play by attackers moving the ball or getting in the way to prevent the quick restart from where the ball ends up. Particularly for a free hit after a PC, where the team with the free hit has a 6 players to 4 or 6 to 3 advantage on the half-way line.

2019 Rule Changes Free Hits Inside the Circle Tips: Players that do deliberately delay a restart should expect a personal penalty. For once, watch the ball. Typically umpires have been used to scanning the area where the restart was due to be taken from. Now the area where the restart is due to be taken from is wherever the ball is.

2019 Rule Changes Most Important: Remember the other rules ! The changes mainly make umpiring simpler with fewer exceptions and special cases to think about. Enjoy the Season.

S.C.H.U.A. 2019 Rules Briefing