Aerial balls

As part of the FIH Umpires Briefing for 2025, the FIH is introducing the following rule trial regarding the receiving of aerial balls:
Rule 9.10

Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been touched by the receiver. The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance provided it is done safely.

There is no change to the interpretation of danger for aerial balls either on the way up or on the way down. The wording has changed from bring the ball under control by the receiver to the ball has been touched by the receiver. 

This year for CL1-2 the interpretation is that as soon as the receiver touches the ball the defending player can immediately approach and contest the ball. However, where there is a clear receiver, the defender must still give the receiver 5 meters, so must be outside the 5 prior to the receiver touching the ball. If you are inside the 5 and do not approach until the player has played the ball to the ground the umpire should allow this as you have not influenced the play. However, you should ask the game umpire how they plan to manage this, as they may chose to have everyone withdraw the 5 prior to approaching.

For SL1-SL5 the interpretation also applies. However, there is likely to be less overheads and a bit more inconsistent application, so also best to clarify with the umpires before the game.

Penalty Corner Safety Equipment

The other change is that anyone defending a penalty corner must wear a face mask. For CL grades this is the cage type. For SL grades you will need either a plastic one or a caged one. If you wear headgear and want to wear a plastic one you will need to seek an exemption for Hockey ACT.

REMEMBER: All players must remove all protective equipment before they leave the 23m area or when instructed to by the umpire; the primary objective of .or will be penalised

Please find clarification on how this will be officiated below:

• Defenders not wearing a mask will have to go to halfway and partake in the PC from there (with other field players)
• If no field players have a face mask to defend a PC, then the GK will be the sole defender for the PC
• Players can take an immediate free hit awarded inside the 23m area after a penalty corner when passing the ball to another player with their face mask on
• Following a penalty corner, if the ball hits any discarded equipment, such as a hand protector, knee pads or a face mask, a free hit would be awarded if this occurs outside the circle, and a penalty corner awarded if this occurs inside the circle.
• All players are responsible for removing their PPE gear from the field of play safely. If you recklessly throw your facemask without looking and hit an opponent player with it, a yellow card is likely to be awarded against you.

Spitting

Spitting on Hockey ACT pitches is not permitted. In 2025, if you are seen spitting, blowing your nose without a tissue or handkerchief you will be issued a yellow card which may be upgraded to further cards if the behaviour is repeated in the same match.

More information on the ACT Hockey website here