Rules update: Key changes officials, clubs and players need to know

Following a recent officials CPD, Scottish Hockey has highlighted a number of important Rules of Hockey and regulation updates designed to improve consistency, clarity and safety across the game.

The changes cover everything from match management and aerial balls to penalty corners, protective equipment and player conduct.

Officials, clubs, coaches and players are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updates, with the accompanying CPD slides providing further detail and examples.

Key changes at a glance

  • Too many players – Rule 2.1
    A maximum of 11 players may take part at any time. If a team has too many players, time should be stopped to correct the situation. Where this materially affects the match, the captain must receive a yellow card.

 

  • Half-time – Rule 5.1
    Half-time is now standardised at 10 minutes. Umpires may also make or review decisions immediately after time expires at the end of a quarter.

 

  • After a goal – Rule 8.2
    Time and play stop after a goal and restart when both teams are ready, supporting greater consistency across competitions.

 

  • Aerial balls – Rule 9.10
    The receiver must still be given five metres of safe space. Once the receiver has touched the ball, opponents may close and contest immediately, including inside the circle.

 

  • Goalkeepers – Rule 10.2
    When defending inside their circle and holding their stick, goalkeepers may use their stick and body to play or deflect the ball. Protective equipment must not be used to create dangerous play.

 

  • Ball hits an umpire – Rule 11.8
    A ball hitting an umpire does not automatically result in a stoppage. Play continues unless the contact creates an advantage for either team.

 

  • Penalty-corner equipment – Rule 13.3(n)
    Protective equipment should be removed safely and as soon as possible after a penalty corner. Defenders may continue to wear it inside the 23m area where there is no safe opportunity to remove it, but it must be removed before leaving the area or when instructed by the umpire.

 

  • Free-hit self-pass with equipment
    A defender wearing penalty-corner protective equipment may pass the ball in specified restart situations, but cannot take a self-pass while still wearing the equipment.

 

Safety and consistency remain the priority

The changes also reinforce expectations around aerial balls, obstruction, intentionally playing the ball over the back-line, ensuring the ball is stationary at a free hit and correct positioning for penalty strokes.

Updated regulations also cover areas including jewellery, clothing and coaching communication from the team bench.

Penalty-corner management remains a particular focus, with preventive communication highlighted as an important tool for officials. The updated guidance also confirms that a penalty corner is re-taken if a defending field player removes their face mask before the first shot at goal.

The latest updates are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency while keeping safety and fair play at the heart of hockey.

Officials, clubs, coaches and players can download the accompanying CPD slides for the full guidance and examples.

2026 EuroHockey Outdoor briefing

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top