HOCKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16324, 13 January 1921, Page 3

HOCKEY.

A USEFUL BOOK. A copy of a book, of special interest to hockey players and enthusiasts has come to hand from the publishers, Methuen and Co., London. Written bv a well-known international player. Eric Green, it deals with every phase of the game, and no player who aspires to become efficient should be without it. Commencing with a very complete version of the rulejs. with notes and interpretations, the book leads tlie reader on through the various posi - tions from the goal keeper to the leftwing forward and every player in any position whatever will find hints for improvement clearly set out. Another chapter is devoted to advice to player* in selecting the most suitable player to fill the position of captain of the team, and also to advice to the captain when

elected. Faults and strokes to avoid are dealt with both in chapter and by illustration, and the most important strokes are shown, and how to play them, and the various uses of the body, arms and wrists in securing the greatest advantage with a minimum of exertion. The finai chapters are devoted to advice to referees or umpiresand give many hints for the easy and proper control of the game. Throughout the book are a number of platesthat have been reproduced from photographs taken in first-class matches, and the reference matter is very fully and clearly set forth. As the author is a player of undoubted capability and experience, the book can be recommended to all grades of players. PROPOSED NEW RULE. The London “ Sportsman ” of November 9 last contains an article upon the suggested alteration to the roll-in rule, which substitutes a hit from the lino instead of the ball being rolled in as at present. The mover of the rule is an authority of some standing in the hockey world in England, and bis opinion will carry a good deal of weight, in ♦he discussion at the meeting of the Rules Board when the subject comes forward. The Rules Board is composed of representatives chosen from England, Ireland. Scotland and Wales, and no alteration to any rule can be made unless these delegates are in full agreemenU The author of the proposal is Mr H. J. Greening, now a vice-presi-dent of the English Hockey Association and the honorary secretary of the International Rules Board. The mover stresses the point that many changes have been found necessary in the rollin rule to cope with the ever-present tendency of plavers to gain an advantage by hitting out so as to waste time, and there is no surer way to kill the sport than to play the line with the object of lessening the chances of the opposing tram to notch a goal. The writer of the article mentioned gives it as his opinion that the change is likely to be. opposed in some quarters, especially in the south and cast of England. Discussing the matter with prominent local hockey players, the opinion was expressed that some such change is necessary, but some were of the opinion that the proposed alteration, which practically means a “ free hit." is too severe a penalty upon a player who may liav«* attempted to field the ball and off whom the ball has glanced and so gone over the side line. On lb© other hand one plaver emphasised the benefits that would be gamed. Tim new rule would reduce the tendenev of the backs to indulge in hard slogging down the field and over the side line, and thus make the game more open and faster. However, the local body must how to the decision of the English Board. The result of the *i<Vi should he known early next sea-