HOCKEY CHANGES IN RULES.

The International Hockey Board has made several important alterations in the rules of the game. Their decision to eliminate the five yards' clause from the oiFside rule should meet with general approval. It is now decreed that during the taking of a penalty bully all other players shall be beyond the nearer 25yds.-line, instead of merely "outside the striking circle," as formerly. In the case of the offender from a penalty bully, the penalty bully is to be taken again, but if between the posts a penalty goal is to be awarded. In other cases (excepting where a goal is scored), as soon as the ball has passed over the goal-line or outside the striking circle a 25yds. bully is to be taken on the centre of the nearest 25yds. line. In the case of a simultaneous breach of this rule by both players the bully is to be taken again. In future penalty corners are to be taken at a distance not less than 10yds. (instead of syds.) from the nearest goal-post. The clause "If an umpire is doubtful he shall decide in favour of the team appealed against" has been deleted from Rule 21, and the following clause has been added: — "In the event of a penalty bully failing to be taken on «a call of half-time or time an umpire shall allow extra time until either a goal has been scored or the penalty bully has been completed."