Hockey

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 6

Hockey

By "Sticks'

CLEARLY DEFINED

RULES NOW IN FORCE

INTERPRETATION GIVEN

The 1932 rules as revised by the International. Hockey Board, and adopted by the N.Z.H.A. are more explicit than previous rules as they clearly define many points over which wordy warfare has raged in the past. An interpretation of the rules now in force is given for the benefit of players and referees who might not be thoroughly conversant with them. BalK—Previously the rules stated that the ball used should be a leather cricket ball painted white or made of white leather. Now the weight and dimensions are specified, but in the event of the captains agreeing any other ball may be used. Sticks.—This rule is the same with the exception that\the four inch rubber ring does not now seem to be permitted. Bully.—The rule in' regard to the bully is the same as formerly with the exception that all other players except these taking part in the bully must be five yards away instead of v three, and in the rule under general details it specifies that the bullyists must use the face of the stick when making contact over the ball. Commencing a bully with the Stick in a hooked manner is illegal, and should not be permitted by the referee. GENERAL DETAILS. Under this heading there are some very important clauses. Undercutting.—There will be some argument over this clause as previously the rule stated that no player shall intentionally undercut the ball. Now the rule states that the ball shall not be undercut, and probably if a moving ball is raised some referees will penalise as an undercut. Stopping the ball. —Most referees and players are aware that the ball may be caught and then dropped perpendicularly. To be caught the ball must be held otherwise it cannot be caught, but it must be immediately released.An important new clause in this section is that the foot or leg must not be used to support the stick in order to resist an opponent. Hooking.—This is now only permitted by placing the stick between the ground and the opponent's stick, and this is probably why the rubber ring is no longer required on the stick. ■Obstruction. —This rule is practically the same ai formerly. - Scoop stroke.—The rules provide that if a scoop stroke, leads to dangerous play it must be penalised. The New Zealand Beferees' Association interpreted the rule as such some years ago, and prevented the scoop stroke being used to throw the ball into, the circle as this invariably: led to danger for the players. : ■) ■•* Offside.—This rule is much more elastic -. than -.previously .as it clearly states that a player who is offside, but who is not in any way gaining an advantage* shall not bo penalised. Beferees should note this, and players should note that the ball touching, a defender does not put, a man onside at it did according to the old rule. Free hit. —The ball must be motionless before a free hit is taken. A new provision is that the ball may be pushed along the ground if desired. Roll-in.—This rule now provides that th« feet, hands, and stick of the rollerin must be behind the side line. In addition, .the roller-in must not approach within playing distance of the ball until it has been played or has touched another player. Beferees and players alike .are woefully lax in seeing that the ball is properly rolled and not bounced into play. Like the bully, the intention of the roll-in is merely; to restart the game and not for either side to obtain undue advantage. —-.■•■, Further explanations of the revised rules will be given next week.