This website document is the only consolidated version of the text of the 2006 Rules of
Hockey. Rules Books are not being printed for 2006 because there is only one change
since 2005. An insert for 2005 Rules Books providing information about this change is
available on the FIH website.
RULES CHANGE 2006
The only change for 2006 is a reduction to 25mm in the permitted bow/rake in hockey
sticks which was announced earlier in 2005. This website version of the rules includes this
on page 19. For international competition, the date of implementation of this change is 1
January 2006 although National Associations have discretion to decide the date of implementation at national level.
This special web edition of the 2006 Rules also includes:
- a new requirement that “players must not hit the ball hard on the forehand with the
edge of the stick”; see the note following rule 9.5;
- revised minimum field run-offs: see the note following item 1.1 in the Field and
Equipment Specifications.
RULES DEVELOPMENTS
In previous sets of Rules we have described the objectives pursued by the Hockey Rules
Board. They are repeated below because this is an ongoing task.
They are:
- ensuring the game is easily understood by players, umpires, spectators and the
media;
- recognising the importance of safety, skill and fair play;
- retaining the distinct characteristics of the game.
In this context, the penalty corner is currently under review by the Hockey Rules Board. It
is a complex action which is not easily understood but on the other hand is a distinct
characteristic of the game. The Board is also looking at the safety issues which can arise.
Another review focuses on encouraging attacking play and creating goal scoring
opportunities from open play which is exciting both to take part in and to watch.
One of the ways in which these possible developments are pursued is through voluntary
trials. The main trial pursued in the last few years has required at least three players from
each team to remain outside the 23 metres area their team is defending. Consideration is
being given to whether this might apply throughout a match or only when the attacking
team is taking a free hit, side-line hit-in or corner inside the 23 metres area.
