Wembley Stadium Field Hockey 70th Anniversary Special

1936 Olympic Field Hockey Action

Telegraph Sport have ranked the best Hockey players in the world on their website – 25 top men and women ranked

The Kadish Foundation was founded in April 2012 by Gijs Hardeman after he had been working in Zambia for half a year. The idea came after working with hockey coaches from the poorer neighborhoods of Lusaka. Kadish means bowl or little bowl in the tribal language Nyanja. It’s an expression that is now used to clarify the defensive bowl shaped position on the hockey field. The name also represents a safety net for coaches. They are able to provide in their primary needs in life because of sports. We hope to be active in ten countries in ten years. In a lot of African countries hockey is a small sport in which only volunteers are active who don’t have access to good materials. The sport is too small to be interesting for sponsors. Kadish supports hockey coaches, who often are from poor neighborhoods, to become hockey professionals. We support them by offering them a job and education and assist them with a healthy and durable sport environment.

Hockey has been a sport for the rich for too long. The great talents all come from the first world civilization. However, speaking from first hand experience, in Africa there are a lot of grand talents whom can not develop their talents due to massive poverty. Kadish Kenya started as an initiative from a Dutch guy, supporting a local Hockey Club in Nairobi Kenya. It is still small and in search for expansion and assistance. MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Kadish Foundation website – CLICK HERE

Jamie Dwyer – 4 Key Bases of Coaching

Luciana Aymar: Entrevista

Some of England highlights prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games

We take a look back to the Championship Final of the Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy, played in Auckland in December 2011

We take a look back to the best goals of the Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy, played in Auckland in December 2011

We take a look back to the best penalty corners of the Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy, played in Auckland in December 2011

We take a look back to the best saves of the Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy, played in Auckland in December 2011

Enjoy the highlights of five years of World-Class Hockey

Hari Kant from FIH sits down with Balbir Singh Sr during during the London 2012 Olympic games. His three gold medals from the 1948, 1952 and 1956 games are on display in the Olympic Museum in London. Balbir discusses some of his greatest moments and his thoughts on the modern game of hockey. Please turn up your volume, the crowd noise in the background can drown out some of the audio

Australia Kookaburras vs New Zealand Black Sticks – 2012 – Great Display of Shoot Out Goals

Australia Kookaburras vs New Zealand Black Sticks – 2012 – New Shoot Out Rules Allowed in Olympic Games – Nice Variety of Shoot Out Goals Displayed#!":

Hockey in India. Hockey was introduced in India by British Army regiments, the first hockey club came up in Calcutta in 1885-86 and soon Bombay and Punjab followed suit. Making its Olympic debut at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, Indian hockey team cruised home to its first Olympic gold, without conceding a single goal. The hallmark of this ruthless domination was the wizardry of Indian hockey legend – Dhyan Chand, who mesmerized the Amsterdam crowd with his dazzling skills. From 1928 to 1956, the Indian hockey juggernaut won six straight Olympic gold medals, while winning 24 consecutive matches. During this time, India scored 178 goals conceding only 7 in the process.
This was the golden era of Indian hockey, when India loomed large in world hockey and produced some of the finest players the game has ever seen. During this dominance, one name that clearly comes to mind is Balbir Singh. For almost three decades, Indian team had about five players with the same name. The first Balbir Singh played with the great Indian teams of 1948, 1952 and 1956. He reached the pinnacle of success at Helsinki in 1952 when he scored five goals in a 6-1 gold medal victory over the Netherlands. The four later Balbir Singhs played with the later Indian champions.

The Indian stranglehold over the Olympic hockey gold came to an end, when Pakistan defeated India in the final of the 1960 Rome Olympics. However, the record created by India is likely to stand strong through ages, as no other country has ever managed to come close to it, leave about beating it. Talking about some of the legendary and outstanding players of Indian hockey, Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh, K.D. Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey are some names that come to mind instantly. Thanks to their exceptional gaming technique and enduring enthusiasm, the position of India in the field of hockey achieved new heights

Winning three gold medals in Olympic games, he is undoubtedly, the best hockey player, India has ever produced.
He was born in a Rajput family on August 29,1905 in Prayag in Uttar Pradesh. His father was an army subedar. After an early education, he joined the Indian army at the age of 16, in 1922. He was a sepoy of the 14 Punjab Regiment. Subedar-Major Bhole Tiwari of Brahmin Regiment noticed his excellent dribbling skills and knack for scoring goals.
His exceptional abilities were proved in a match in 1927 when he exhibited his skills against the English hockey team, netting 36 of India’s 72 goals in 10 matches, at the London Folkstone Festival. In 1928, Dhyan Chand was selected to represent the Indian hockey team in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Netherlands. He helped India win the gold medal and winning the finals against the Netherlands by a score of 3-0. In the 1932 Summer Olympics held at Los Angeles, USA, the team defended their tide, winning the gold. The team routed the US hockey team 24-1, a record that exists till today. During 1935 tour of New Zealand and Australia, he scored 201 goals out of the team’s tally of 584 in 43 matches. Don Bradman, the legendary cricketer and Dhyan Chand once came face to face at Adelaide in 1935, when the Indian hockey team was in Australia. After watching, Dhyam Chand in action, Don Bradman remarked, He scores goals like runs in cricket.
The 1936 Summer Olympics final at Berlin in Germany proved his love for the country and audacious jugglery and leadership qualities. Initially, Chand was refused permission to go at the Olympics. However, later he captained the hockey team. In a patriotic note, the team raised the Indian tricolour in the dressing room and sang ‘Vande Mataram’, rather than the British national anthem, which they were obliged to sing. The Indians were leading by 1- 0 at the half time. In the second half, they scored 7 goals. After trailing 0 – 6, the Germans are reported to have resorted to body play. In a clash with the German goalkeeper, Chand broke one of his teeth, but was soon back in action. India won the match by 8-1, with Dhyan Chand scoring 6 goals. Impressed by his performance, Adolf Hitler, supposedly, offered to make Dhyan Chand a Field Marshal in the German army but the latter refused. After World War II, he continued to play till the age of 42. After his retirement, Dhyan Chand earned a diploma in coaching from the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Punjab. Residents of Vienna, Austria, honoured him by setting up his statue with four hands and four sticks, depicting his control and mastery over the ball

Wide World of Sports interview Jamie Dwyer about the London Olympic games

History of the Rules of Hockey – Indoor

Early Indoor Rules

Until 1966, the German Hockey Associations, in both West Germany and East Germany, had been producing a rules book for their domestic use which was used by other European countries but not by Great Britain.

Then in 1966, the Germans handed over responsibility for the rules to the FIH Indoor Hockey Committee. Accordingly in 1966 the FIH Office in Brussels produced the first FIH Indoor Rules Book in three languages, German, French and English. Significantly, in 1968 the FIH recognised the indoor game by decreeing in its Constitution that hockey included indoor hockey.

The FIH Indoor Hockey Committee continued to be responsible for the Indoor Rules Book via the Brussels office, until responsibility for the indoor rules was transferred in 1988 to the Hockey Rules Board.

The Rules of Indoor Hockey

1966

Six players, including a goalkeeper and six substitutes, but only at specific situations in the game.
If any team was reduced to less than four players, the opponents were declared the winners.
Dimensions of pitch and goals (slightly smaller than those of outdoor hockey).
Hits not allowed – pushes only and no raised ball except when shooting at goal.
At penalty corners only the defending goalkeeper was permitted to stand in the goal until the ball was pushed out, with the other players required to stand outside the goal behind the back line on the opposite side from where the ball was being played – they could, after the ball was played, move into the goal-mouth.
The game was to be played on any hard, fast surface. Players’ footwear and equipment were specified and goalkeepers’ gloves were to be the same as for outdoor hockey.
No offside and no corners.
Playing time (originally 2 × 15 minutes) was increased to 2 × 20 minutes with lesser time for junior domestic matches.
Several rules followed the basic principles of outdoor hockey including the stick and the ball although later the indoor ball was required to be seamless. In 1986 the rules book was re-written to conform as closely as possible to the rules of outdoor hockey.

One indoor rule in 1966 provided for a penalty stroke from 7 metres to be awarded for ‘any grave and unsporting behaviour by a team in its own half of the ground’. Also, there was the rule providing that a penalty corner be awarded for a deliberate offence within a player’s own half. In 1966 a player could be temporarily suspended ‘for unsporting behaviour’ for two to five minutes or be suspended for the remainder of the game and an incapacitated or suspended goalkeeper had to be replaced by another goalkeeper.

Finally, the use of the hand to stop the ball in the air during play or at penalty corners by players other than the goalkeeper was permitted until 1992.

1974:

Players must not stand in their opponents’ goal mouth.
Time prolonged at half-time and full-time to allow penalty corners to be completed.
Prior to a revised edition in 1976 – the provision to forbid substitutions after the award of a penalty corner or penalty stroke.
1975/6:

A player’s stick must be on the ground when playing the ball for a shot at goal.
A player may not hit or play the ball in the air (but could stop it).
Players may not take part in the game whilst lying on the pitch except for goalkeepers within their own circles, introduced because players were lying on the pitch thus reducing the playing area and causing unwanted obstruction.
1978:

An injured player was permitted to be substituted during normal play (but only the injured player).
It was also made clear that an umpire’s jurisdiction also extended to all players including those occupying the team benches.
1979:

The substitution of a goalkeeper by a field player with the privileges of a goalkeeper was required to wear a different coloured shirt.
A provision was inserted to permit substitution of incapacitated goalkeepers at penalty corners and penalty strokes.
The coloured card procedure (green, yellow, red) was formally introduced.
Permitting a shot at goal after the ball had been stopped (by hand or stick) either inside or outside the circle.
At a free push all opposition players had to be at least three metres from the ball.
For all free pushes within three metres of the circle, all players had to be three metres from the ball.
Free pushes for the ball going over the side-boards could be taken up to one metre from the boards.
1986:

A total revision of the rules book appeared based on that of the outdoor rules book and included Guidance and Advice for Players and Umpires.

No player (except the goalkeeper) to play with knees, arms or hands on the pitch in the act of playing the ball or stopping it at penalty corners.
In normal play the hand holding the stick was permitted to be on the pitch for tackling purposes.
Goalkeepers were not permitted to play the ball outside the circle whilst lying on the ground.
Players were now not permitted to deliberately enter within (as well as stand in) an opponents’ goal mouth, or run behind the goals.

1990-92

The award of a penalty stroke for unsporting behaviour in a player’s half of the pitch was deleted.
Requirements relating to personal equipment, including helmets used by goalkeepers.
Goalkeepers allowed to stop the ball with their stick above their shoulder.
Field players, when acting as goalkeepers, not permitted to wear helmets outside the circle but compulsory for defending penalty corners and penalty strokes, 1992.
The Hockey Rules Board brought indoor hockey in line with the outdoor game by abolishing all use of the hand except by goalkeepers defending their goal including also abolishing the hand stop at penalty corners. This was somewhat controversial as it was pointed out by indoor hockey followers that this would prevent a legitimate high shot at goal being stopped by hand by a field player at penalty corners. However, the rule has now found general acceptance given the fact that hockey was to be regarded as a stick and ball game.

1996

Centre pass to start or re-start the game in any direction.
The free push must move at least 10 centimetres before another player of the same team can play the ball and it did not need not be taken on the exact spot of the offence but within playing distance.
Goalkeepers permitted to wear ‘hand protectors’ which were no longer referred to as gauntlets or with any reference to fingers and which were subject to size limitations (23 centimetres wide and 35.5 centimetres long).
The obstruction rule was simplified and included holding the ball against the side-board as an offence.
The new 1996 book also included Technical Advice, an innovation introduced to assist nations to start or improve indoor hockey facilities.

2000

Stick specification was agreed – a diagram of the stick was included in the Indoor Rule Book.
A mandatory experiment relating to play with the edge of the stick.
Substitution of an attacker or defender permitted at the award of a Penalty Stroke.
The captain’s responsibility for team discipline was increased to include substitutes.
For a further offence before the awarded penalty has been taken, the penalty may be progressed up to five metres, upgraded and/or dealt with as misconduct, or reversed if committed by the previously benefiting team
2004

This was the first update of the indoor Rules since 2000. It was therefore appropriate to incorporate the relevant minor changes which had been introduced to the outdoor Rules in the interim. The overall presentation of indoor hockey was also simplified by adopting common indoor and outdoor Rules where appropriate but retaining the distinctive characteristics of each version of the game.

in common with outdoor hockey, permitting a captain to be on the pitch or, at particular times in the match, to be a substitute;
making the Rules governing substitution the same for indoor and outdoor hockey (ie at any time except within the period from the award of a penalty corner until after it has been completed);
simplifying and standardising how a penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes and at the end of half-time and full-time;
requiring field players who leave the pitch for injury treatment, refreshment, to change equipment or for some reason other than substitution to re-enter only within 3 metres of the centre-line;
specifying how the result of a match is decided;
rationalising procedures for starting and re-starting play so that the procedures for taking a free push also apply to the centre pass and to putting the ball back into play after it has passed completely over the side-board or back-line;
retaining the fundamental characteristics of the bully but simplifying it by requiring sticks to touch only once;
specifying that players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally;
simplifying the obstruction Rule by referring in the Rule itself only to the fundamental principle that players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball;
specifying that players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact;
specifying the ‘advantage Rule’ more simply and clearly;
introducing the Mandatory Experimental Rule to indoor hockey which permitted a defender to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height;
introducing the Mandatory Experimental Rule to indoor hockey which specified that the ball must travel outside the circle but need not be stopped before a shot at a goal at a penalty corner; this replaced the previous requirement that the ball must be stopped or come to rest inside or outside the circle before a shot could be taken;
requiring the player taking a penalty stroke to start by standing behind and within playing distance of the ball and not permitting them to approach either the ball or the goalkeeper after taking the stroke (ie the former limitation of taking only one step forward was deleted);
specifying that the whistle must be blown to start a penalty stroke when both players are in position (rather than requiring the umpire to confirm that both are ready which can cause confusion in the absence of a common spoken language);
it was specified that the penalty stroke is taken again if a goalkeeper prevents a goal being scored but leaves the goal-line or moves either foot before the ball was played;
permitting the intended duration of a temporary suspension to be extended for misconduct by a player while suspended;
introducing new umpiring signals to indicate dangerous play and stick obstruction.
2005

permitting a defender to use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height;
requiring the ball to travel outside the circle before a shot at goal at a penalty corner but not requiring it to be stopped.
2006

The only change this year was to the maximum bow/rake permitted in the stick. It was reduced from 50mm to 25mm.

2007/8

permitting a team either to have a goalkeeper on the field (with full protective equipment or only with protective headgear) or to play entirely with field players (in which case no player has goalkeeping privileges).
specifying the face protection which field players are permitted to wear especially in relation to defending a penalty corner.
clarifying that a defender must not be penalised if their stick is not motionless or is travelling towards the ball while attempting to stop or deflect the shot even when the ball is above shoulder height.
permitting a goalkeeper to use their hands, arms or any other part of their body (and not just their stick, kickers and leg-guards as hitherto) to move the ball away but only as part of a goal saving action and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance.
2009

a pitch should be the full-size of 44 metres by 22 metres unless this is not possible in particular sports halls;
to enable teams to review their game plans and tactics, “time-outs” were introduced;
as in the 2009 rules for field/outdoor hockey, the player taking the free push may use a “self-pass” whereby they continue playing the ball immediately after taking the free push;
additionally, free pushes taken by a team inside the half of the pitch they are attacking must not be played directly into the circle from a free push; it must be played by another player or touch the side-boards.
The major changes above were all implemented as Mandatory Experimental Rules to ensure they were monitored and reviewed. Other smaller changes provided clarification and explanation of certain rules:

how to deal with a team which has too many players on the pitch;
the roles and actions when playing with a goalkeeper, a field player with goalkeeping privileges or only with field players were clarified;
the circumstances in which a goalkeeper or field player with goalkeeping privileges can move the ball away using their hands, arms or body;
the ways in which a penalty corner is completed were all consolidated within the penalty corner Rule.
2011

the “self-pass” rule which had been introduced as a mandatory experimental rule in 2009 was confirmed as a full rule. The restriction on pushing the ball directly into the circle from free pushes in the attacking half of the pitch was amended to permit the ball to enter the circle directly after touching the side-board outside the circle. Subject to this change, the former mandatory experimental rule was confirmed as a full rule.

The rule which specified that “players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally” was deleted. Any action of this sort can instead be dealt with under other Rules.

The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty corner were listed in detail fro the first time. The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke were rationalised.

Conclusion:

With rule changes not everything can be covered and many alterations and amendments were made to the indoor book which followed previous action taken for hockey as a whole. This kept with the policy of keeping the indoor game as near as possible to the rules of outdoor hockey

Note Editions of the Indoor Hockey Rules Book were issued as follows:

FIH 1966, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986-88

HRB 1988-90, 1990-92, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007/8, 2009, 2011

This History of the Rules of Indoor Hockey is based on research initially conducted on behalf of the Hockey Rules Board by Ernest Wall in 2000.

History of the Rules

Just like the history of the game itself, the official hockey rules have constantly evolved throughout the years. Take a look back at how the game was played in the past and see what warranted a whistle in previous generations.The following chronology begins with the extracts from the 1876 rules gleaned from the Surbiton Hockey Club minute book.

1876

the pitch was 100-150 yards long and 50- 80 yards wide; goals consisted of 7 feet tall posts placed 6 yards apart;
the sticks were “curved and wooden approved by the Committee of the Association” the ball was an “ordinary sized cricket ball”;
offside is specified as requiring three opponents to be near their own goal-line
if the ball goes out of play over the side-line play was restarted by rolling the ball back into the field at right angles to the line;
players were not permitted to raise their stick above their shoulder;
a circle does not seem to be marked on the pitch but the rules do say that “no goals shall be allowed if the ball be hit from a distance of more than 15 yards from the nearest goalpost”;
if a rule was infringed “the ball shall be brought back and a bully shall take place”;
the flat playing side of the stick is not defined but the rules do say that “the ball shall be played from right to left”.
1886

The Hockey Association (England) drew up a code of Rules based on those used by clubs in the London area
the pitch should be 100 yards long by 55 to 60 yards wide; goals should be 4 yards wide with a cross bar 7 feet from the ground; there would be a striking circle with a radius of 15 yards; flags (not lines) indicated the 25 yards area;
the game was to be started (and re-started after a goal) by a bully which involved three taps of the stick between two players at the centre spot; a bully would also be taken at 25 yards after the ball had gone over the back-line;
all non-involved players had to be 5 yards from the ball at free hits, rolls-in and bullies; rolls-in by hand were used to put the ball into play after it had gone over the side-line;
teams comprised eleven players – five forwards, three half-backs, two full-backs and one goalkeeper; no substitutes were allowed
the game was controlled either by two umpires or one umpire (referee) assisted by two linesmen;
hockey sticks were made of wood with leather-covered handles;
balls used were traditional leather-covered cricket balls painted white;
there was no mention of goalkeepers equipment;
the ball was played with one side of the stick (the left hand side) only; the ball could not be played above the shoulder or with the rounded side (back) of the stick;
it was not permitted to kick, trip, shove, or obstruct an opponent;
hands and feet could be used to stop the ball but then had to be moved out of the way; feet and legs could not to be used behind the ball to resist opponents;
goalkeepers could kick the ball but only within their own circles;
hooking of sticks was allowed but only within striking distance of the ball;
offside (with less than 3 defenders) was applied from the half-way line;
a bully was taken in the circle for an offence by a defender; free hits were given for other fouls.
1900

The International Rules Board (later the Hockey Rules Board) was formed on 23 April 1900 in London by the men’s Hockey Associations of England, Ireland and Wales; the Rules of the Game were decided thereafter by the Board. The first meeting of the International Rules Board was held on the 25 July 1900. Advantage was recognised; not every offence was to be penalised immediately.

1904

Intentional undercutting and raising the ball from a hit was to be penalised. The scoop stroke was permitted.

1905

Each umpire was to take half of the pitch for the whole game without changing ends and to take decisions on rolls-in for the whole of their side-line, but not for corners. Umpires were also empowered to warn and/or suspend players from the game. A weight limit of 28 ounces was laid down for sticks. The width of the pitch could be up to 66 yards.

1907

Umpires were allowed to apply the Rules without waiting for an appeal. Prior to this time appeals had to be made by players before an umpire could give a decision.

1908

The penalty corner was introduced for offences by defenders in the circle. At a penalty corner, the Rules required the ball to be stopped before a shot at goal but this was not umpired rigorously. All defenders were behind the goal-line with attacking players outside the circle. The bully was replaced by a penalty bully for deliberately stopping a certain goal.

1927

Advantage was formally written as Rule. By this time there were routinely two umpires for each match.

1936

Notes and suggestions for umpires were included in the Rules book. Later this became an appendix entitled ‘Advice to Umpires’.

1938

Any form of interference with the stick of an opponent, including hooking of sticks, was forbidden as was the use of any part of the body, except the hand, to stop the ball.

1949

Deliberate offences by defenders within the 25 yards area and persistent offences by defenders at corners were given a penalty corner.

1957

The 25 yards bully after a ball had gone over the back line was replaced by a free hit at 16 yards.

1959

Umpires were empowered to suspend players for a temporary period.

1961

At a penalty corner and for corners, a maximum of six defenders were behind the back line with the remainder of the team at the 25 yardline.

1963

The penalty bully was replaced by a penalty stroke taken from a spot 8 yards from the goal. For a penalty corner, the remainder of the defending team were moved to be behind the centre (and not just the 25 yards) line.

1970-1979

The roll-in from side-line was replaced by a push-in.
Offside was changed from three to two defenders.
Two substitutes were permitted but once substituted a player was not permitted to return.
A penalty stroke was awarded for a deliberate offence by a defender in the circle, regardless of whether a goal might have been scored
The first common Rule book for men and women was published. Changes made at this time included:
at a penalty corner the ball was to be stopped motionless by an attacker before a shot at goal; there was to be no latitude;
notes on the Rules became ‘Guidance for Players and Umpires’;
a code of signals for umpires was published for the first time;
a temporary suspension for offending player(s) was to be at least 5 minutes;
the width of the pitch was specified as 60 yards;
the penalty stroke spot was moved from 8 to 7 yards from the goal-line.
Colour control cards (green, yellow, red) were introduced into the Rules book

1984

1980a hit-in replaced the push-in from the side line;
a pass back replaced the centre bully to start or re-start the game;
the bully was retained only for accidents or unforeseen events;
the Rule explicitly limiting the height to which the stick could be raised was deleted
the use of the hand except by a goalkeeper was abolished;
at free hits only opponents had to be 5 yards from the ball
no free hits to the attacking team were to be taken within five yards of the circle.
The “long” corner was changed from being similar to the penalty corner to instead essentially being a free hit taken from a spot on the goal-line within 5 yards of the corner flag with all players (other than the striker) at least 5 yards from the ball.
Definitions of ‘Hockey Terminology’ were included for the first time.
1987

the number of defenders behind the back line at penalty corners was reduced from six to five;
at corners and 16 yard hits only opponents were required to be 5 yards from the ball;
at penalty corners the first hit at goal should not cross the goal-line higher than 18 inches and if the ball travelled more than 5 yards outside the circle then the penalty corner Rules no longer applied;
the penalty corner was finished after the ball the ball travelled 5 yards from the outer edge of the circle;
offside applied only in the 25 yards area;
a deliberately raised ball falling into the circle was to be penalised;
free hits to defenders could be taken within the circle;
at free hits to the attacking team within five yards of the circle all players had to be five yards from the ball.
1994

Captains were made responsible for their team’s behaviour and for substitutions. Goalkeepers were required to wear protective headgear.

1995

at a free hit the ball was required to move at least 1 yard;
umpires were empowered to order a free hit to be advanced by 10 yards for dissent or a subsequent offence;
goalkeepers were permitted to deflect (in addition to stop as hitherto) a ball above their shoulder;
substitution was allowed at penalty corners and penalty strokes;
the ball was put back into play at a penalty corner from a spot exactly 10 yards from the goal-post and not at least 10 yards as hitherto.
1996

at a penalty corner the ball had to be stopped outside the circle before a shot at goal could be made;
the pass-back to start or restart the game became a centre pass which could be played in any direction;
goalkeepers’ gauntlets were re-named ‘hand protectors’ with a maximum length of 9 inches and a maximum width of 14 inches.
Mandatory Experimental Rules introduced were:
no offside;
players may not intentionally enter their opponents goal, stand on their opponents goal-line or intentionally run behind either goal;
a corner to be taken on a spot on the side line 5 yards from the corner flag;
within the 25 yards area all players, except the taker, to be 5 yards from the ball at free hits, hits-in and 16 yards hits.
1998

substitutions at penalty corners were no longer permitted except for an injured defending goalkeeper but were still permitted at penalty strokes;
all measurements and distances were now stated in metric form with an imperial-metric conversion table included at the end of the Rules book;
‘Technical Information and Advice’ was published as an appendix
metric rather than imperial measurements and distances.
1999

acknowledgement of a continuing study of the composition of the stick but metal and metallic substances were already banned;
an experimental Rule allowing use of the edge of the stick subject to the normal safety considerations;
clarification of the Rule when a goalkeeper is suspended at a penalty corner; another goalkeeper must be the replacement with the team consequently having to withdraw one field player until the period of suspension is completed;
the experimental Rule to require prolongationfor completion of a penalty corner at half-time and full-time was confirmed as a Rule.
2000

more precise specification of the shape, size, weight and material of the stick
a broken white line to be marked on the pitch 5 metres from and beyond the circle line;
the ball was put back into play at a penalty corner from a spot on the back-line inside the circle
2001

Allowing the edge of the stick to be used to play the ball was incorporated as a formal Rules change with effect from 2002.

2002

Using the edge of the stick to play the ball was confirmed as a formal Rule and when the penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes was clarified.

2003

defenders were permitted to use their stick above their shoulder to stop or deflect a shot at goal;
it was no longer necessary to stop the ball outside the circle before a shot could be taken at a penalty corner but, instead, the ball was only required to travel outside the circle.
2004

This year saw a radically revised Rules Book. The Rules had been completely re-written to make them easier to understand. The opportunity was taken to simplify a few Rules without changing any of the fundamental characteristics of the game.
simplifying how a penalty corner is completed for substitution purposes and at the end of half-time and full-time;
requiring field players who leave the field for some reason other than substitution to re-enter only between the 23 metres areas;
specifying how the result of a match is decided;
rationalising procedures for starting and re-starting play so that the procedures for taking a free hit also apply to the centre pass
retaining the fundamental characteristics of the bully but simplifying it by requiring sticks to touch only once;
deleting the Rule which specified that a ball must not be raised intentionally so that it lands directly in the circle was deleted;
simplifying the obstruction Rule
specifying that players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact;
requiring the player taking a penalty stroke to start by standing behind and within playing distance of the ball and not permitting them to approach either the ball or the goalkeeper after taking the stroke
specifying that the whistle must be blown to start a penalty stroke when both players are in position
rationalising how offences at a penalty stroke are dealt with
permitting the intended duration of a temporary suspension to be extended for misconduct by a player while suspended;
introducing new umpiring signals to indicate dangerous play and stick obstruction

2007

The Hockey Rules Board (HRB) went to a two-year cycle for all Rule Changes, the major changes in 2007 included:
permitting a team either to have a goalkeeper on the field or to play entirely with field players.
specifying the face protection which field players are permitted to wear especially in relation to defending a penalty corner.
prohibiting hitting the ball hard on the forehand with the edge of the stick.
a defender is not penalised if their stick is not motionless or travelling towards the ball while attempting to stop or deflect the shot
permitting a goalkeeper to use their hands, arms or any other part of their body to move the ball away but only as part of a goal saving action and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance.

2009

A “self-pass” from a free hit was introduced. It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball themselves again after taking the free hit to encourage free-flowing hockey. Small changes to wording and some additional notes were included to improve interpretation of certain rules. In particular, the following were clarified:
if a team which has too many players on the field, time ise stopped and a personal penalty awarded against the captain.
the ways in which a penalty corner is completed were all consolidated within the penalty corner Rule.

2011

The “self-pass” rule and restrictions on hitting the ball directly into the circle from free hits in the attacking 23 metres area which had been introduced as mandatory experimental rules in 2009 were confirmed as full rules.
The rule which specified that “players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally” was deleted. Any action of this sort can instead be dealt with under other Rules. “Anywhere inside the circle” was deleted from the rule which said that “a free hit awarded inside the circle to the defence is taken anywhere inside the circle or up to 15 metres from the back-line in line with the location of the offence, parallel to the side-line”.
The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty corner were listed in detail for the first time. The penalties applying for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke were rationalised.

Song – We All Play in the EHL#!

The Beighton Cup is the oldest field Hockey tournament held in India. The tournament was organised for the first time at Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in the year 1895 and is being organised annually, since then, usually conducted on the Mohun Bagan ground on the Maidan in Kolkata. The tournament is counted amongst the most prestigious hockey tournaments in the world. The Beighton Cup was named after the then Legal Remembrancer of the Government of Bengal, Mr. T. D. Beighton. The Indian Football Association was in charge of organising the Beighton Cup in the first few years. However, the tournament is organised by the Bengal Hockey Association, at present.

Origin of Beighton Cup
The inception of Beighton Cup is closely related with the history of Hockey in India. Hockey was brought to India by the British rulers during the later half of the 19th century. Hockey was first played in an organised manner in Kolkata and the first Hockey club of India was also established in Kolkata. The Beighton Cup was organised as a part of popularising Hockey in India and it has so far played a major role in spreading hockey throughout India. The Beighton Cup led the way for inauguration of Calcutta Hockey League in the year 1905.

Almost all the major hockey clubs of India during the late 1800s took part in the Beighton Cup in 1895. The clubs like the Calcutta Naval Volunteers Club (now known as Calcutta Rangers Club), Calcutta Customs, Jhansi Heroes, etc. were the premier participants of the tournament in the initial years. Among these teams, the Calcutta Rangers Club has the distinction of winning the Beighton Cup for 9 times, including the inaugural edition. During the 1940s and 1950s, Bengal had excellent teams in Kolkata like Customs and Port Commissioners, and Bengal-Nagpur Railway in Kharagpur.

Recent Developments of Beighton Cup
The Beighton Cup is now played among the teams coming from different governmental organisations and corporate houses. The teams like Indian Airlines, the Border Security Force, the Punjab and Sind Bank, the Army XI, the Indian Oil Corporation, the Punjab Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Central Industrial Security Force, etc. are some of the prominent participants of the Beighton Cup in the recent years. The winners of the recent tournaments include Central Industrial Security Force, Chandigarh in 2001, Punjab Police in 2002, Border Security Force, Jalandhar in 2003, Punjab and Sind Bank in 2004, Border Security Force, Jalandhar in 2005, Punjab and Sind Bank in 2006 and Indian Airlines in 2007.

The Beighton Cup has made a huge contribution to Indian Hockey, since its inception. There was a time when the Indian national hockey team was selected based on the players` performances in this tournament only. The tournament has also given birth to numerous extremely talented Indian hockey players. INFORMATION: indianetzone.com

Beighton Cup is a field hockey tournament. Instituted in 1895, it is organised by Bengal Hockey Association and is usually held on the Mohun Bagan ground on the Maidan in Kolkata (earlier called Calcutta) in India. The Beighton Cup was presented by T.D. Beighton, Legal Remembrancer of the Government of Bengal, and was run initially by the Indian Football Association. The Calcutta Hockey League took off in 1905.

British officers popularised the game amongst soldiers in India; hockey, as an organised sport, originated in Kolkata. The Anglo-Indian clubs of the time, most significantly, the Calcutta Naval Volunteers Club, now the Calcutta Rangers Club deserve a big share of the credit. Not only did Rangers Club win the Beighton Cup nine times, including in its inaugural year, it was directly responsible for two of the country’s Olympic gold medals. When the Indian Olympic Committee did not have the funds to send the Indian team in 1932 and 1936, it was the generosity of the Rangers Club, rich with funds from its four-times-a-year sweepstakes, that ensured that the team set sail for Los Angeles and Berlin.

Some credit for popularising the game in India goes to the Irish Christian Brothers. Many of them were so skillful that they would have walked into the Indian team had it not been for their vocation. However, they passed on their skills to the boys who studied in the many schools that they ran, up in the hills and on the plains. St. James’ School won the Beighton Cup way back in 1900. INFORMATION: Wikipedia

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