Scottish Hockey is set to trial a new indoor rule at the U18 girls’ and boys’ Scottish Indoor Cups 19-20 January in Perth.

Scotland is one of eight countries volunteering to trial new indoor rules in association with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). FIH’s Hockey Rules Board is testing two new rules: Attacking free pushes must not be played directly into the circle and one player must always be outside their defensive half of the pitch.

Roger Webb, FIH Technical Manager, said: “The objective of these trials is to make the game more exciting, without making it too complex.  Other aims are to respond to safety requirements, hence the attacking free push trial, and to increase the number of shots at goal, hence the one-out rule trial.”

Scotland is only testing one rule, the attacking free push rule. Webb explained: “The HRB (Hockey Rules Board) is concerned about unattractive play and potential danger which results if an attacking free push is played directly into a crowded circle.”

Webb says there are points both in favor, and against this potential rule change, safety being the main benefit, and according to Webb, the rule change “will encourage attackers to be more creative in their tactics.”

The major drawback is changing the flow of the game, especially a concern for free pushes within three meters of the circle; attackers will no longer be able to seek quick passes for deflection, or try to force the ball off defenders sticks.

The Scottish Indoor Cup competitions, this weekend, will be the first time Scottish Hockey has trialed the new rule. The cups not only host the new rule, but this year, two teams from each district will be present, as opposed to one team previously.   Pool winners go forward to the final 10 February.

Scottish Hockey Youth Development Officer, Ally Blair said: “There’s definitely new territory being covered at this year’s Indoor Scottish Cups with the trial rule change and additional teams from each district; it’s all in an effort to progress the indoor game.”

Blair continued: “Allowing two teams from each district this year will increase the number of teams participating and raise the event’s profile.” 

Giving his expectations for this year’s event, he said: “It should be a close competition; a great indoor experience for all involved.  This event gives an opportunity to highlight the importance of indoor; it’s a fast paced enjoyable game that’s good for skills and fitness.”

Source: Scottish Hockey