2020 Rule Amendment – Spitting & Nose Blowing

2020 Rule Amendment – Spitting & Nose Blowing

Wednesday 8^th July, 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, Hockey ACT have had to look closely at current restrictions and guidelines in relation to the game of hockey and certain practices that have previously taken place.

As such, please be advised of the following rule amendments and additions for 2020:

Spitting and Nose Blowing

Spitting and nose blowing without a handkerchief or tissue etc. is a practice that unfortunately occurs in our sport and must stop as it poses a significant risk to other participants.

For the 2020 season the following addition to the Hockey ACT Senior Competition Rules and Hockey ACT Junior Competition Rules will apply:

1) Any player caught spitting or blowing their nose without a handkerchief or tissue will be issued a red card (permanent suspension from the match).

1.1) A player issued with a red card under this provision may be replaced on the field. This is a variation of the FIH Rules of Hockey Rule 14.1.d

1.1.2) The player issued with a red card under this provision can remain in their designated team dugout. They will not be required to leave the field and its surrounding area as per the FIH Rules of Hockey Rule 14.5

1.2) The issuing of a red card under this provision will still require umpires to submit a report to Hockey ACT and further penalties may be placed on the player by the Hockey ACT Disciplinary Tribunal

Hockey ACT would like to thank the UTC for their work developing these rules to ensure a safer game for all in 2020 and beyond.

Should you have any questions or concerns with the rule amendments, please contact the Hockey ACT office.

-Hockey ACT