2025 Season Updated Rule Reminder

As we welcome the start of the season, please remember there have been a few rule updates.

Face Masks

You may have heard the news, from 10^th March 2025 in all Hockey ACT competitions the wearing of face masks is mandatory when defending penalty corners.

• In the Hockey ACT Capital League competitions all face masks worn by field players must be of a cage design to ensure appropriate protection for the players at that standard.
• No player will be permitted to defend on penalty corners without the correct face mask, they will be sent to halfway.
• Failure to have adequate face masks will see teams defending penalty corners with reduced players.
• Exemptions may be permitted on a case by case basis, clubs and/or teams will need to get in contact with competitions@hockeyact.org.au to seek an exemption.
• Teams have 40 seconds from the awarding of a penalty corner to be ready.  The priority for the umpires is player safety and welfare – if a little more time is required for all defenders to be ready and fully protected, this should be given. However, if, the umpire is of the view that there is an intentional delay (by either team), the umpire is to identify and issue a personal penalty to the player responsible.

Spitting

Spitting on Hockey ACT pitches is not permitted. In 2025, if you are seen spitting, blowing your nose without a tissue or handkerchief you will be issued a yellow card which may be upgraded to further cards if the behaviour is repeated in the same match.

This reflects the move away from Covid procedures, but remains a deterrent to people for spitting and is a personal penalty for the person who choses to spit.

Intentionally spitting at someone will remain a red card.

Overhead Rule Changes

Hockey ACT are implementing the below trial FIH rule for the 2025 season.

Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been touched by the receiver. The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance provided it is done safely.

 The initial receiver has a right to the ball. If it is not clear which player is the initial receiver, the player of the team which raised the ball must allow the opponent to receive it.”

Further information can be found in Competitions > Umpires and Technical Officials > Resources > 2025 Umpire Briefing & Information Session.  https://www.hockeyact.org.au/competitions-/umpires-and-technical-officials