In summary, the main changes will be:

Short “distance” markings.
 These markings, on the side and back-lines of the field, are currently specified in Rule 1.3. They are to be placed outside the field of play, rather than inside, as at present.  This will help  avoid undue wear and uneven surfaces, especially on synthetic pitches.
  The opportunity has also been taken to convert the penalty corner markings on the back-line to 5m and 10m. The existing 4.55m and 9.10m markings are inconsistent with other rules.
 This change will be effective immediately for any new pitches but those with existing markings will still be permitted.  The wording of the rules will accommodate both existing and new pitch markings.

Stick rule.
 Amendments and clarifications will be made to the technical wording of the stick (Rule 4), in consultation with the FIH Equipment Committee officers. In substance, no changes are involved.

Captain.
 The need for each team to have a captain (who must wear a distinctive arm-band) actually on the field of play is no longer thought to be essential given the existence of rolling substitutions.  It has been  agreed that the captain could be on the field or, at particular times in a game, could be on the substitute’s bench. However if a captain is suspended, a replacement must be indicated.

Manufactured fouls.
 Manufactured fouls are having an increasingly bad effect on the flow and presentation of the game. They can negate the promotion of skilful play and are often not penalised correctly.  Greater emphasis will be placed in the Rules on the manufactured foul.

Goalkeepers restricted.
 When goalkeepers participate in play outside their normal areas, it is confusing to players and spectators. The HRB has specifically become increasingly concerned about the involvement of goalkeepers in the completion of the penalty corner at half and full-time.
 An additional benefit and unreasonable emphasis can be given to these particular penalty corners, compared to others during the game.
 It has therefore been agreed that goalkeepers cannot play outside their own half of the field, unless taking a penalty stroke.

Misconduct by substitutes.
 The HRB shares with others a concern about increasing levels of misconduct.  In the light of comments received from national associations and elsewhere, it was agreed that penalties for misconduct should be strengthened.
 Substitute players when not on the field, are still under the control of the umpires. It is decided that they can be cautioned, warned, temporarily or permanently suspended.
 In the event of a suspension, the number of players on the field will be reduced accordingly.

Edge of the Stick.
The Rules Advisory Panel and the Hockey Rules Board had comprehensive discussions about the current mandatory experiment (Rule 4.5a) whereby the edge of the stick can be used to play the ball.  Detailed and extensive consideration has been given to various implications of this Rule, taking into account legal advice, safety, and feedback from national associations and stick manufacturers.
 It was agreed that the mandatory experiment should be approved and incorporated within the Rules. To give everyone involved time to accommodate this change, it is intended that formal inclusion in the Rules will take effect when the 2002 Rules book is printed.
 The 2000/2001 Rules book will continue to refer to this as a mandatory experiment.

   George Croft retires

 The Paris meeting of the Hockey Rules Board was the last attended by George Croft as Secretary to the Board.  George had held this post with distinction for thirty years. Many people paid tribute to his outstanding contributions. 
 Until new appointments are made in April 2001, Roger Webb will take over as Secretary to the Board.

PENALTY CORNER TRIAL

 A year ago the Rules Advisory Panel put forward ideas for a revised form of penalty corner.  The Hockey Rules Board agreed that national associations should be asked to conduct trials on a voluntary basis. The feedback from these trials has been extremely helpful although, regrettably, the number of national associations who participated was small.
 The trial essentially sought to simplify the existing penalty corner. Experience has broadly indicated that simplification was a worthwhile objective.  However, it is not clear that the version used in the trial addressed all the issues associated with the current penalty corner or, for example, provided adequately for the unintentional and intentional offences which currently lead to this award.  Further, there are many aspects of the current penalty corner which are considered to be attractive and relevant.
 It was agreed that the Trial should not be continued but that the information gathered will influence future Rules development options. 
 Those national associations who adopted the trial or who commented on it, are warmly thanked for their contributions.

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RULES – FUTURE CHALLENGES

 The Rules Advisory Panel held its seventh meeting since it was established some five years ago in Paris in November.
 It has been decided that Rules development will be specifically included in the role of the Hockey Rules Board under the new FIH committee structure. Whether or not there will be a Panel giving special focus to this activity is not yet clear.
 It is, therefore, perhaps timely to reflect on some of the rule changes which the Panel has influenced.  They include:
- Elimination of offside.
- Prolongation of play to permit the completion of a penalty corner at half-time and full-time.
- Substitutions at penalty corners not permitted, except for an injured defending goalkeeper (though they are still permitted at penalty strokes).
- Introduction of the mandatory experimental Rule allowing use of the edge (but not the rounded side) of the stick, subject to the normal safety considerations.

In developing these ideas, and others, the Panel has always tried to bear in mind certain aims.  The game should be enjoyable to play and watch; it should be easily understood by players, umpires, spectators and the media; while safety, skill and fair play are paramount. 
 Panel members have brought unhindered, creative and free thinking to their work.  A challenge for the future is to maintain these aims and to continue to be creative while also retaining the distinctive characteristics of our game.
  Some people think that it would be wise not to change our game very much and perhaps not at all.  Others think we must respond to a society which is changing fast and which has different values, taking into account achievements in sport and the influence of the media.  The Rules of Hockey are central to these views, not least because they affect every person playing the game.  We recognise that the Rules developers and makers have challenging times ahead!.

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INDOOR RULES - 2000

 A new indoor Rules book has recently been published.  This is the first full publication since 1996.  It therefore incorporates minor changes which bring indoor more in line with outdoor hockey.
 However there are other changes which are more significant. For example, we have introduced the opportunity of advancing a free push by up to 5 metres when there is another offence. 
 The new indoor book requires close study by all participants in the game.

 Copies of both the Outdoor and Indoor Rules which cost the same price  (5 Pounds sterling plus postage and handling) are available from the  FIH office in Brussels or, for the United Kingdom,  from the English Hockey Association.
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