Welcome to Saintfield hockey club! Latest News Astro Training Astro training is back, Wednesday nights 8.30-9.30pm, St Colemans high school Ballynahinch. Be there or be square.................... Rule Changes There have been a few rule changes brought in this season, here's a bit of info on what has been changed. Rule 8.1: method of scoring. The way a goal is scored is amended; it now includes what is sometimes referred to as an “own goal”. That is, a goal can now be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender. Rules 13.2.d and e: procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play. The ball may now be raised intentionally and directly using a push, flick or scoop action; this action must be conducted safely. This is essentially an evolution of what is known as the “self-pass” from a free hit. By having the option to raise the ball immediately, opposing players will not have had the opportunity to get closer than five metres; a raised ball should be safer. It should be noted that technical changes have also been made to the Stick specification. It has been re-written to make it clearer and the method of measuring the bow or rake has been revised. Stick manufacturers have been aware of this intended change for some time so new sticks on the market should be fully compliant. However, we are aware that some players will still be using older sticks. As per the FIH recommendation the introduction of this new specification is sympathetically considered at lower levels. Match Reports Coming Soon |
