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The intention of the new rules clinic is to educate umpires, players and coaches on the new mandatory experimental rules regarding the self-pass and free-hit (specifically in the 23 metre attacking zone). We are in a very fortunate that two of our senior umpires have attended FIH tournaments since the implementation of the new rules (Chris Wilson - Men's Junior World Cup and Gillian Batey - Women's Champions Challenge 2). Chris and Gillian are practiced in the new rules and will share their knowledge and experience with everyone.
All VILFHA and VIFHA umpires will be REQUIRED to attend this clinic before they will be permitted to umpire in the 2009-2010 season. Players and coaches are welcome and encouraged to attend as well.
The clinics will be facilitated by Denise McGeachy, Alison Sweeten, Chris Wilson and Gillian Batey
BEFORE the clinic, please review this video: http://www.usafieldhockey.us/New_Rules_USAFH/New_Rules.html
This video explains the rules very simply and clearly and will be the basis of our discussion. As we have a limited amount of time, we will be keeping to this agenda closely and request that everyone bring their questions for the discussion portion of the evening.
Agenda
1. The Self-Pass - overview
2. Free-Hits within the 23 metre zone - overview
3. Management of the new rules
a. Self-pass - ball placement and two distinct actions; attacker and defender responsibilities; progressive and appropriate penalties
b. Free hit - within the 23 metre attacking zone and between the 23 metre zones
4. Communication & Flow of the game/purpose of the rules
5. Position and Mobility
6. Discussion
Resources
The new rules book has been published and is available online: Click here to view them.
The Umpire's Briefing has been revised to reflect the new rules as well: Click here to view them.
FHBC information (bottom of page): http://www.fieldhockeybc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=583
Contact
Please contact Denise if you have any questions or concerns: denise-mcgeachy@shaw.ca or 250-704-0502
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The rules of field hockey are very similar to the rules of soccer except that players must use their sticks instead of their feet to play the ball. There are 11 players on a team made up of a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards. The only player on the field who is allowed to use their feet and hands as well as their stick is the goalkeeper. Probably the key rules differential between field hockey and soccer lies with there being no offside rule in field hockey allowing for an extremely fast, potentially high scoring and exciting game.
The buildup to full field games is gradual. The grasshoppers start on a quarter of the full field and play with 6 or 7 players with no goalie. They play with a sweeper, defenders and forwards. Safety is a major factor. Players learn to keep their sticks and bodies, and the ball under control.
You may not play the ball with your feet and must try not to stop play with your feet. Obstruction is the most difficult rule: Both players must have equal opportunity to play the ball, which means: The attacker must not shield the ball from a defender either through use of their body or their stick. At the grasshopper level, a player may not put their butt or body between the defender and the ball. At a higher age the defender must be within playing distance (1 metre) of the ball to get the foul called. A teammate may not set a block (like basketball) for a teammate, thus eliminating the defender's chance to get to the ball. A goal can only be scored when an attacker shoots from within the shooting circle. If defenders are between the shooter and the goal, safety becomes a factor. If a defender fouls inside their circle a penalty corner is awarded. If an attacker fouls inside the attacking circle a free hit is awarded to the defense. Under 10 players play on a half field and are now introduced to penalty corners. On a penalty corner the ball must be brought outside the circle before traveling towards the goal. The format is 7 players, including a goalie. There are leagues that play this format all year, as it involves many touches on the ball and is very fast. Field positioning is now more important as the game spreads out and the ball travels greater distances. The ball must be played in a safe manner - no high balls permitted into players. Under 12 player now progress to a full field. The rules are more strict, no feet, no raised balls, no obstruction, no third party (blocking), no hitting with round part of the stick, no body contact and no talking back to the umpire.
As the players become more skilled and have more control of the ball, raising the ball is allowed but it must be in a safe and controlled manner. Having the ball hit your feet may not be a foul if there is no advantage gained. Deliberate fouls are met with "Carding" or a stern warning.
A penalty stroke is called when a defender fouls, deliberately or unintentionally, preventing a sure goal from being scored.
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