New Rules for Summer League and Next Season
New rules will be in force for next season and most will be used during the Burnt Ash Summer League (updated with new guidance document)
There are five major changes to the rules for next season. These are:
- Breaking at a penalty corner
- Green card
- Use of the stick above the shoulder
- Free hits within five metres of the circle
- Restart after the ball has been unintentionally played off the back line by a defender.
Please note that the rule about the use of the stick above the shoulder will NOT be implemented in the Summer League to maintain player safety with the mixed abilities.
The changes to the wording are as follows:
Breaking at a penalty corner
Old Rule:
A penalty stroke can be awarded for defenders persistently crossing the back-line before permitted during the taking of penalty corners.
NEW RULE:
A penalty stroke can no longer be awarded. Instead, a defending player breaking early will be sent to the half way line, meaning that a retaken penalty corner will be defended by fewer defenders.
Two minute green card
Old Rule:
The green card is used only as a warning to an offending player. The offending player is allowed to remain on the field of play.
NEW RULE:
When an offending player is awarded a green card, he/she will be required to leave the field of play for a period of two minutes.
Use of the stick above the shoulder
Old Rule:
A player cannot play the ball with any part of the stick when the ball is above shoulder height (except that defenders are allowed to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height).
NEW RULE:
Players can play the ball with any part of the stick when the ball is above shoulder height, provided that they do so in a controlled manner and in a way that does not create or lead to danger.
Free hits awarded within 5 metres of the circle
Old Rule:
If a free hit is awarded within 5 metres of the edge of the circle, the free hit must be taken from the 5 metre dotted line.
NEW RULE:
A free hit awarded within 5 metres of the edge of the circle can be taken from the point of the offence. The ball still has to travel at least 5 metres before it can be played into the circle, or alternatively has to be touched by another player of either team, other than the player taking the free hit.
Re-start after the ball has been unintentionally played over the back line by a defender (and no goal is scored)
Old Rule:
When the ball is unintentionally played over the backline by a defender and no goal is scored, play is re-started by the attacking team with the ball on the mark 5 metres from the corner of the field on the side-line nearest to where the ball crossed the back-line.
NEW RULE:
Play will be re-started by the attacking team with the ball on the 23 metres line and in line with where it crossed the back-line.