FIH Rules of Hockey 2017

The adjustment to the free hit Rule 13.2 which was posted to the
Rules section of the FIH website on 16 February 2016 to update
the 2015 Rules is now formally incorporated into the Rules booklet.
The other Rules changes are essentially cosmetic and take account
of those changes to the Rules of Indoor Hockey 2017, which are
applicable to Outdoor Hockey, such that both Rules sets are as
closely aligned as possible.
The overall number of changes to the Rules are therefore relatively
few and minor in nature. It was considered that there is currently no
real need for any major changes, and that a period of Rules stability
would be of benefit to our sport.
Otherwise, all other changes in this edition of the Rules are clarifications
of existing Rules. To draw attention to all changes, even these
minor points of clarification, a line appears in the margin of any text
which has been changed.
APPLYING THE RULES
The FIH Rules Committee continues to be concerned that some
Rules are not applied consistently.
Rule 7.4.c: ball intentionally played over the back-line by a defender
and no goal is scored. If it is clear that the action is intentional,
umpires should not hesitate to award a penalty corner.
Rule 9.12: obstruction. Umpires should penalise shielding the ball
with the stick more strictly. They should also look out for a tackling
player who by pushing or leaning on an opponent causes them to
lose possession of the ball.
Rule 13.2.a: ball stationary at a free hit. Umpires are sometimes not
strict enough on requiring the ball to be stationary, albeit very briefly,
for a free hit especially if it is taken using a self-pass.
RULES DEVELOPMENT
We believe our sport is enjoyable to play, officiate in and watch. Ne-
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