Introductory Date for FIH 2009 -10 Rules of Hockey in England  
  On Wednesday 4th February 2009 the FIH published a statement re: the new Rules of Hockey to be introduced for international hockey on May 1st  2009. National
Associations are permitted to introduce these rules for domestic hockey at a date of own choice and the England Hockey Board has agreed that the new rules will be mandatory for all domestic hockey from 1st September 2009 after a phased introduction.

The new rules are described here (pdf file)

The reasons we have chosen to implement the new rules in this way are:

1. To ensure all 2008/2009 domestic season competitions can be completed without changing the rules mid way through
2. To ensure the new rules can be introduced safely
3. To allow time to communicate and educate schools, clubs, representative teams and coaches, umpires and officials on the new rules
4. It is a natural time to introduce the rules to formal competition at the beginning of the English domestic season

As part of the phased introduction and to ensure our international teams and officials are well prepared for this summer’s international programme the following
events will pilot the new rules prior to their formal introduction:

• Great Britain Super League (GBSL)
• The U16/18 Girls International Tournament at Easter in Nottingham (4 Nations)
• The U21 Women’s International Test Series at Easter in Nottingham

We will begin dissemination and education of the new rules to all hockey providers and participants immediately. To allow schools, clubs, representative teams and  coaches, umpires and officials the opportunity to become familiar with the new rules, England Hockey permits them to be used immediately in any non formal competition wherever all the participants and officials agree.

Also see