Summary of Material rule changes to take effect from 1 November 2026

1. Changes to personal penalties (cards)

1.1. It is no longer permitted for umpires to give two cards of the same colour even for different offences. This means that a second disciplinary card, even for a less serious offence, MUST be dealt with by an upgraded card. So a second “green card offence” is a “Yellow Card” (5 or 10 Minutes) and ANY further offence is a “Red Card”.

The only exception to this is where a team captain is awarded a Team Penalty (eg 12 players on the field). This is not recorded as a personal penalty and would therefore not be a part of the progression to a Red Card.

1.2. Any member of the team coaching or management personnel, may also be disciplined via the above personal penalties and the team will lose a player (the captain) from the game for the duration of the penalty awarded.

2. Changes at Penalty Corners

2.1. When the umpire signals the beginning of a penalty corner by blowing their whistle, the ball MUST be injected without delay. Injectors should be ready to play as soon as the umpire blows the whistle (a delay of more than 3 seconds will mean that the injector will be sent to the half way line and need to be replaced) NOTE: THIS NEVER RESULTS IN THE PENALTY CORNER BEING REVERSED.

2.2. Masks may now be SAFELY removed as soon as is possible after the start of a penalty corner, defenders do not have to wait until the penalty corner is over (ball over the back line, side line or over the 5m line). Note that the rule regarding the safe removal and disposal of masks and other protective equipment has not changed – any piece of equipment that strikes an opposition player or umpire above the knee MUST be punished with a Yellow Card. Further note that if this happens, any further disciplinary breach during the game for any card-worthy offence means a Red Card.

3. Free Hits for Danger

3.1. Free hits for danger are now to be taken where the danger occurred, not where the play started.
This is a significant change! Eg When a ball is lifted by a player and causes legitimate evasive action by the opposition, the free hit is given and taken at the point that it caused danger not where the ball was hit from.

3.2. When a ball is played dangerously from outside the D by an attacker causing legitimate evasive action in the D. Free Hit to the Defence in the D, not from where the ball was struck and conversely a raised defensive shot from the D that causes legitimate evasive action is not necessarily punished with a PC, play restarts where the danger occurs.

3.3. One exception to this is where danger arises inside the circle because of a DEFLECTION outside the circle from the stick of a defender. In this case the free hit is awarded at the point of deflection and not where the danger happened.

4. General Notes FIH and WPGM has emphasised for umpires to pay more attention to.

• Free Hits – please ensure that these are taken where they are awarded and that the ball is stopped before it is played via self pass and or a pass to a team mate.
• 5m – please observe the 5m rule from all free hits. Opposition must always be 5m away regardless of where the hit is awarded on the pitch. For attacking free hits inside the opposition’s 23m area EVERYONE must be 5m away.
• Aerial rules have not changed – please allow 5m to the initial receiver! Opposing player may engage as soon as the ball has been touched by the initial receiver. Players may intercept as before as long as they take the ball cleanly outside of playing distance of the initial receiver. Umpires must do their best to keep players safe!
• Players are all responsible for the safety of the players around them. Please take every care to remember that when approaching a shot or a tackle!

  A note about conduct:

  We are fortunate in WPGM to have a solid group of umpires (just like all of us, they are not perfect) that turn out to officiate in Grand Masters games each week and we are privileged to have several of our umpiring team not only holding senior grades, but that continue to officiate at IPTs and at World Cups.

  It is important, however, to continue to develop their skills and to this end some players are asked to provide written feedback after games. If asked, please take this task seriously – it is for umpire development, it is anonymous and it is for the good of hockey. Good umpires means great games!

  While mild chirping is just part of the game, PLEASE DO NOT verbally attack or berate an umpire in the heat of the moment, whether on the pitch or in the dugout! We really would like to keep these guys and girls engaged and umpiring our games for many seasons!

  If you really did have an issue with a particular decision, the right place for that discussion, is after the game once everyone has had a chance to cool down, and preferably discussed over a drink in the bar!