FIH amends free hit rule

Lausanne, February 16 

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed today an amendment to the ‘Rules of Hockey’ to clarify rule 13.2 in relation to free hits within five metres of the circle.

Following the amendment, the rule now states that at an attacking free hit within five metres of the circle, the ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least five metres or been touched by a defending player.

This amendment, to be introduced with immediate effect, removes the possibility for the attacker to touch the free hit for a teammate to run on to and play the ball into the circle.

Following a time stoppage after the award of an attacking free hit inside the 23 metres area, upon the re-start, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least five metres from the ball. — PTI