27. Interpretations of the rules seem to be inconsistent and therefore confusing for players, coaches, umpires, spectators and so on. Is the Hockey Rules Board doing anything about this?

The Hockey Rules Board recognises that interpretations are sometimes inconsistent. Among other things it therefore regularly reviews the wording of the rules themselves and any interpretations also published in the Rules Book. The Hockey Rules Board also works with officials at tournaments to achieve consistent interpretations at each event so that people playing in it or watching it can see what everyone is trying to achieve and can pass on the message.

Hockey Rules Board members also keep an eye on what is being said in the press and in website forums to learn from what people are thinking about the rules and their interpretations. The FIH Umpiring Committee is also aware that interpretations sometimes vary and recently produced video examples of correct and incorrect interpretations which are used at briefings for major events.