Scottish Hockey update: FIH rule changes

Scottish Hockey’s Management Committee has met to discuss the amendments to the rules of hockey recently announced by the FIH, and we can confirm that no rule changes will be made to the domestic game during the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

The FIH announced the significant changes in the following areas:

  1. Introduction of the match format of four quarters
  2. Removal of Goalkeeping privileges for substitute field player
  3. Defending free hits within 5 meters of the circle
  4. Free hits awarded inside the defensive circle
  5. Completion of a penalty corner

The announcement from the FIH with further information on the rule changes can be found here.

Rules 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be introduced by Scottish Hockey for the start of the 2019-20 season.

In regards to rule 1, Scottish Hockey’s Management Committee has significant concerns of the impact playing the four quarters format may have on domestic hockey, and as a result Scottish Hockey will make a detailed investigation into any potential ramifications of implementing this rule.

Playing the four quarters format may be considered for European play-off matches only at the Grand Finals in April, to help clubs prepare for European hockey, and National League 1 clubs will be consulted regarding this.

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