Rules Updates for Umpires

There are three main updates to be aware of for the 2022/23 season. 

Update 1 FIH Rule 4.2.e (abbreviated extract): 

“Players should remove their penalty corner equipment as soon as they are able to do so after the penalty corner is completed. If no suitable opportunity … arises, they can continue to wear it … within the 23m area without penalty. All players must remove all protective equipment before they leave the 23m area or when instructed to by the umpire;” 

Interpretation: 

This rule update allows for a defender wearing a face mask to continue with the ball outside of the circle (but not beyond the 23m area), until there is a suitable opportunity to pass the ball to a colleague not wearing a mask. 

Guidance: 

Common sense and consideration of intent is the important bit here. This is not about looking for opportunities to penalise defenders. The rule update is designed to give a bit more flexibility to when the masks should be discarded (noting that this still has to be done safely). Generally, unless a defender has the ball and is actively looking to pass it to a colleague, masks should still be removed as soon as the PC is completed, as we are already used to. As the umpire, you have the opportunity to let players know when you think there is a chance to pass the ball away and remove a mask. 

Penalties: 

Most infringements will result in a free hit to the attack. Note that a self-pass is not allowed when taking a free hit while wearing a mask, but a reset rather than an automatic reversal is your most likely response. We would not expect cards to be given for this offence. 

Update 2 FIH Rule 9.10: 

“Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled and is on the ground. The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance provided it is done safely.” 

Interpretation: 

This rule update allows for a skilful interception of a raised ball within 5m of an obvious receiver if it is done so safely. 

Guidance: 

A skilful interception means picking the ball out of the air in a way that doesn’t cause danger. Generally, this is likely to be by someone running in and across the front of the obvious receiver, but they shouldn’t be closer than about 2m when this happens. All other situations (unclear receiver, falling into a crowd, dangerously lifted etc.) should be umpired as previously. If an attempt is made but the ball is missed, make sure the player attempting this then retreats 5m from the actual receiver; no other action is required. If an attempt is made but causes danger, penalise the player causing the danger. 

Penalties: 

As you would for any other situation where danger is created by a player mishandling the ball, otherwise deal with it as you would for any other aerial ball. 

Update 3 League Regulations Appendix 3, Rule 13.3: 

“Time is not stopped after a penalty corner is awarded (unless stopped by the umpire). If a suspended player’s period of suspension ends during the taking of a penalty corner the player cannot return until the penalty corner has been completed or another penalty corner is awarded.” 

Interpretation: 

If a player’s suspension ends during a Penalty Corner, they may return to the field once that Penalty Corner has been completed; or, if a new PC is awarded for a defensive foul before the current PC is completed, they may return in the period between the whistle for the foul and the next PC starting. 

Guidance: 

Be clear on the difference between a ‘retake’ of a PC and a ‘re-award’ (better described as a ‘new award’). The player cannot return during a retake, but they can return before the start of a new award. A retake only happens if either attack or defence breaks the line early, or if the injector feints their injection. If the injection is made and then before that PC is completed another offence takes place for which a new PC is awarded, the player can return before that new PC starts (while players are setting up for example). Note that the returning player should not ‘interfere’ with play i.e. they can return but only to the halfway line until the new PC is underway. Remember that if the suspended player is substituted, then the substitute is still bound by the existing rules i.e. they cannot come onto the field of play until the PC (or new award PCs) are all completed. 

Penalties: 

A player returning at the wrong time from suspension during PCs should be dealt with sympathetically – this is likely to be a confusing update for many, to begin with! Generally, we would expect you to ask the player to leave the field again until you call them back on. For now, no additional penalty is likely to be appropriate or required provided you think the infringement is accidental. If you believe the infringement is deliberate, then it should be dealt with as you would for an extra player on the pitch at any other time.