With the start of NCFHA league play fast approaching, it is time for *everyone* to get updated on the new FIH rules for 2009. Please take the time to read them *before* you play or umpire your first game.
GAME DURATION:
NCFHA games times are 25 minute halves with 5 minute halftimes with
the exception of games at Cal where the halves may be 20 minutes
or less in length.
MOUTHGUARDS:
Mouthguards are required at all times by all players (USFHA insurance
modification). FIH doesn't require mouthguards.
FORFEIT PROCEDURE:
A team with 10 or fewer players can elect to forfeit the game by
notifying the other team BEFORE the game begins or at HALF TIME.
If a team notifies its opponent of its decision to forfeit BEFORE
the game has started, the score shall be a 0-3 loss for the forfeiting
team. If a team notifies its opponent of its decision to forfeit
at HALF TIME, and if the NON-FORFEITING
TEAM HAS THREE OR MORE GOALS, the score shall stand as the final
score.
Otherwise if THE NON-FORFEITING TEAM HAS LESS THAN THREE GOALS,
the final score shall be 0-3. Any goals and assists made up to the
point of the forfeit will be recorded in the individual stats.
Goalkeeper Not Required
The requirement to have a goalkeeper on the pitch at all times during play has been modified. The change permits teams more flexibility about what sort of goalkeeping option to adopt. It also takes account of the possibility that a team does not have a fully-equipped goalkeeper available or simply wishes to play only with field players.
Here are the options:
Option 1: Play with a traditional goalkeeper. S/he MUST WEAR a shirt/garment that is different in color from that of both teams; protective equipment comprised of at least headgear and MAY WEAR body, upper arm, elbow, forearm, hand and thigh protectors, throat protector; leg guards and kickers; gloves and blockers for hand protection.
Option 2: Play with field player who is the designated goalkeeper (aka kicking back). In this scenario, the field player must wear a shirt/garment that is a different color from that of both teams, must wear a helmet on penalty corners and penalty strokes, and can only play the ball outside the 23 meter (25-yard) area if their helmet
has been removed.
Option 3: Play with 11 field players. When utilizing this course of action, no player on the field has goalkeeper privileges and if a penalty corner or penalty stroke occurs, the defender may only use their stick to defend the goal.
Face Protection Guidance
Field players are increasingly wearing face protection especially when defending a penalty corner. Per FIH Rules of Hockey, athletes must have a medical reason for wearing approved eye protection. USA Field Hockey has revised this rule such that athletes have the option to wear approved protective face/eyewear should they so choose at USA Field Hockey membership and developmental tournaments/events/programs. Face, head or eye protection that would be legal for competition under the rules must meet one of the following criteria and must be approved for field hockey under ASTM standards:
+ A smooth transparent or white, but otherwise dark, plain colored face mask which fits flush with the face
+ Soft protective head covering.
+ Plastic goggles with a soft covered frame and plastic lenses. **NO CAGE GOGGLES**
Conduct of Play for Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers MAY swing their arm to rebound the ball into space. This rebound can be through a space in the circle or it can be a bat/swat of the ball up and over the crowded area. Under prior guidelines a goalkeeper, had to use the momentum of the ball to put a skill on the ball. The speed of the ball combined with the rebound of the equipment, determined the skill the goalkeeper could use. When officiating under the new guidelines, umpires should ask, “is it dangerous?” or did the goalkeeper deliberately swat the ball over the end line as opposed to ‘deflecting’ it over when making a call. If the rebound is dangerous or deliberately played over the end line, then a penalty corner must be awarded.
Goalkeepers MAY, when saving a goal, use hands to propel the ball, in a “close control” manner, away from an attacker. Under *prior* rules, this action was considered
illegal and was penalized with a penalty stroke.
Goalkeepers MAY NOT play outside of their 23-meter line (25-yard line) area, except when taking a penalty stroke.
