New rules for this year - better read so you don’t look silly in the first game.
Just so no one gets confused here’s a summary of the new rules (and the full EH link if you are interested)
Following careful consideration, England Hockey have decided to introduce the following rule changes at our level from the start of next season:
- Removal of Player with Goalkeeping Privileges - A team can no longer play with a ‘kicking back’ or player with GK privileges. A team must play with either a GK or 11 Out Field Players.
- Attacking Free Hits within 23m - If there is no ‘quick free hit’ by an attacker inside the 23m, then all players must retreat 5m.
- Defensive Free Hits awarded within the Defensive Circle - A team can take a defensive free hit, that is awarded in the circle, anywhere in their circle OR taken up to 15 metres from the back line in line with the location of the offence and parallel to the side line.
- Attackers Breaking Early or Entering the Circle Early at a PC - If any attacker enters the Circle early on a PC, then the injector must retreat to the half way line and the PC is retaken.
You may have also heard that 4 Quarters of 17.5 minutes have been introduced. This is correct for National League and EH Tier 1 Cup Games but not at the level or leagues that any of our teams play at so all games will remain as 2 x 35 minute half’s.
If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact our Chairman, Jaime Cox on chair@ketteringhockeyclub.co.uk
For the full article from England Hockey click NEW RULES