Rule 9.10 – Aerial Ball (5‑metre rule confirmed)
Confirmed change (trial now permanent):
- Players must stay at least 5 metres away from an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it is touched.
- Interception is allowed within 5 metres, but only outside playing distance and safely.
- The initial receiver has priority.
- If it’s unclear who the receiver is, the player from the team that raised the ball must give way.
Rule 11.8 – Ball Hits Umpire or Unauthorised Person
Clarification:
- Play continues if the ball hits an umpire or unauthorised person unless an advantage is created.
- If advantage occurs:
- Restart with a bully, or
- Re‑award the penalty corner if this occurred during a PC
Rule 13.3n – Penalty Corner Equipment (General Obligation)
Clarification:
- After a penalty corner is completed, players must remove PC protective equipment as soon as it is safe to do so
Rule 13.3n – Restart Situations While Wearing PC Equipment
Key changes:
- Defenders may pass the ball immediately while still wearing PC equipment (free hit, 15m, or sideline restart).
- Self‑passes are NOT allowed while wearing PC equipment.
- If a defender self‑passes:
- Outside the circle → free hit to attackers
- Inside the circle → penalty corner
- Only the defending player making the pass may wear the equipment.
- That player must not interfere further in play while still wearing it.
- If interference occurs:
- Outside the circle → free hit
- Inside the circle → penalty corner
Rule 13.3n – Leaving the 23‑metre Area in PC Equipment
New enforcement focus:
- A free hit is awarded against the defence if a player exits the 23m area still wearing PC protective equipment.
- Possession is not required for the free hit to be awarded.
- The free hit is taken immediately outside the 23m line where the player crossed.
- Umpires may still apply advantage if appropriate
Rule 13.3n – Dangerous Removal of PC Equipment
New safety emphasis:
- Throwing PC equipment is considered dangerous and negligent if it strikes:
- an opponent,
- an umpire, or
- any other person.
- If the person is struck on or above the knee, a mandatory yellow card applies.
- If struck below the knee, umpires use discretion based on danger.
- Restart:
- Ball outside circle → free hit to attackers
- Ball inside circle → penalty corner
