MHF to test new rules

28/11/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has finally agreed to test three new
rules in the Azlan Shah Cup on March 22-30 in Ipoh.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had proposed in 2001 that
Malaysia adapt the changes but MHF replied in the negative then, because
it would have disrupted preparations for the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup.
"I have written to the FIH Rules Board that the experimental rules will
be tested during the Azlan Shah Cup," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam
yesterday.
But MHF has not agreed to adapt the new rules in the domestic
competitions.
The three new rules are:
* Having only eight defenders in the 25-yard line at any one time.
* Increasing the goalscoring area from the semi-circle to the 25-yard
line.
* During long corners, the defending team will have eight defenders
behind the goal-line.
The first rule, which is aimed at having less crowded defences, has been
tried out in Australia and the FIH found that it does encourage attacking
play.
"In the FIH letter, it was stated that the first rule reduces hard hits
into the circle because it is more effective to build up through ball
possession and to penetrate the circle for a shot at goal," said Satgunam.
The main reason for the rule is to make the circle and surrounding areas
more safer and increase the likelihood of shots at goal which should
increase the number of goals.
The umpires must also make sure that three players are outside the 25-
yard line during attacks and if the rule is breached, a penalty corner
will be awarded to the opponents. And for persistent intentional breaches
of this rule, a player will be cautioned, warned or suspended.
"The MHF Umpires Board will meet next month to brief its members on the three experimental rules in the Azlan Shah Cup."
The Azlan Shah Cup has attracted Champions Trophy teams Germany, India, South Korea and Pakistan. New Zealand have also confirmed they will compete.
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