hockey

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 108, 9 May 1934, Page 4

hockey

I

‘STICKS") J

Weather conditions on Saturday militiated against good hockey in th® Wanganui Association’s competitions, particularly after the opening matches had disturbed the surface of the playing areas at Gonville Park. In spite of the drenching conditions the players’ enthusiasm did not appear to be dampened, while the ladies especially were very keen.

The Hinemoa-Old Boys match was very evenly contested. * Hard hitting was freely indulged in by both sides, undercutting being much in evidence but this fault was speedily remedied when penalties were awarded against the offenders. There is no excuse for undercutting with the grounds in the condition they are at present and umpires should penalise this dangerous habit every time.

The winning goal for Old Boys was secured as the result of a centre across the goal-mouth by one of the Hinemoa defenders. In this connection if a defender finds himself in such a position that he cannot clear the ball from the circle, it is far better for him to put it over the goal-line and concede a penalty corner.

While on the topic of defence it might be as well to draw the umpire’s attention to Rule 18, Penalty bully: (a) A penalty bully shall be awarded to the opposing team if, in the opinion of the umpire, (1) There has been an intentional breach of Rule 10 (general details) inside the circle, by a player of the defending team, to prevent a goal being scored; or, (2) a goal would probably have been scored had an unintentional breach of Rule 10 inside the circle not occurred.

It is noted that some umpires are not strict enough in enforcing this rule. Defenders frequently deliberately obstruct an attacker and this offence should be at once penalised by awarded a penalty bully. It does not matter whether the chance of scoring a goal is remote, the intention of the defender is plain, and he should suffer the penalty.

The penalty bully must be played on a spot five yards in front of the centre of the goal. (This does not apply in the case of ladies’ games). All backs should learn to bully in case they are called upon to take part in a penalty bully. The attackers are allowed to select their bullyist, and you may be sure they pick their best, and ho invariably scores a penalty goal over a player not experienced in this art.

The turf cutter which has been used to mark the side-lines, the goal lines, and seven-yard lines makes a very distinctive mark, and in wet weather is far superior to the whitewash lines. This was particularly noticeable last Saturday when it was almost impossible to see the quarter and half-way lines. The absence of the flags from the quarter and half-way lines was a great disadvantage, both to players and to umpires, and it is hoped they will not again be omitted. It is understood the Wangaehu Clubs are desirous that some of the competition games should be played on their home ground, and provided this ground is level and the regulation nets are provided the Hockey Association would no doubt favourably consider their claims. Nothing can be don®, however, until after the first round has been played. These clubs are certainly very enthusiastic and deserve every encouragement. An unusual incident occurred at Auckland in the ladies’ match between Technical Old Girls and Clevedon seniors last Saturday week. The former commenced the game without a goalkeeper, the captain delegating her duties to one of the full-backs. The missing goalkeeper arrived later in the game, but the captain failed to notify the umpire of the change, and he awarded a penalty bully when the new player kicked out, but no score resulted. A number of alterations in the rules issued by the International Hockey Board have been approved by the N.Z. lI.A. In regard to obstruction the rule now reads: “A player shall not obstruct by running in between an opponent and the ball, nor shall be interpose himself or his stick in any way as an obstruction to an opponent, nor attack from an opponent’s left unless he touches the ball before he touches the stick or person of his opponent.” The effect is that a player’s stick may obstruct an opponent’s stick but not his person. The off-side rule has been reconstructed, and it is provided that no player can in any circumstances be offside when in his own half of the ground. Thus a player can run back into his own half and so be put on side. The fact of the ball having merely glanced off an opponent’s stick or person does not put a- player on side; the opponent must have definitely played the ball. The roll-in rule stipulates that the roller-in shall stand, outside the field of play, that is to say, he must have both feet on the ground. In connection with the penalty bully it is provided that for an intentional breach by the defender of the rule covering the bully a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team. Previously the word “defenders” was used but this was a misprint. In order that players may gain firsthand information regarding the latest mles on the game an opportunity will be afforded them on Monday, May 21, when a lecture will be delivered at the Y.M.C.A. This is a new departure on the part of the Umpires’ Association and no doubt full advantage will be taken of it by both umpires and players alike. Those who have any real problems should bring them along.

At an earlier stage in the season Wanganui hockey enthusiasts were desirous of negotiating for a Test match against the touring Australian team. At a recent meeting of the executive of the Wanganui Association, a special sub-committee was appointed to handle the negotiations. It is understood that the report does not favour the application being made as serious difficulties were encountered in various directions, and it was felt that a better effort would be made if early application were made for a game with the Indian team, which is expected to tour New Zealand in 1935.