subject: Some Official Rules Concerning Hockey Equipment [print this page] Almost every team sport has its governing body which is responsible for holding big tournaments and competitions. Hockey is no different as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is generally perceived to be its main organisation. Besides promoting the sport and organising various championships, the FIH also sets hockey equipment and pitch regulations which are adopted at any major tournament.
Every year the FIH releases a brochure with new rules of the game. A major part of this brochure consists of the specifications concerning hockey equipment. Players who do not meet the regulations described in this book cannot take part in professional championships under the auspices of the FIH. That is why it is important for all professional field hockey to familiarise themselves with the rules.
For example, hockey equipment regulations of 2011 recommend players to wear shin and ankle protection. Indeed, this type of protection may save players from unpleasant injuries. Usually, the FIH approved shin and ankle pads are made of high impact plastic which is durable yet lightweight. What is also important is that these pads hug the leg contours and don't hinder the player's movements.
Another paragraph of 2011 hockey rules specifically permits players to wear protection gloves which 'do not increase the natural size of the hands significantly'. This rule is not particularly clear; nevertheless, original hockey gloves usually protect against cuts and have improved palms for a better grip. Hockey equipment gloves are very different from the gloves for other sports.
One of the most regulated parts of hockey equipment is the stick. The rules specifically state that a field hockey stick should have a traditional shape and a curved head which is flat on its left side. Moreover, sticks should not have any rough parts and must be able to pass through a ring with a diameter of 51 mm. Glassfibre, carbon or aramid materials usually secure the smoothness and lightness of a hockey stick.
Field hockey rules include some set regulations that are nonexistent in other sports. The most important one is the so-called penalty corner or short corner. Hockey rules allow players to wear special transparent, white or single coloured masks while defending during these corners. These masks should also closely fit the face. Normally, short corner masks protect the player's forehead, temples and cheekbones while being very light and comfortable to wear. It is important to remember that this part of hockey equipment can be worn only while defending inside the home circle.
As in many team sports, the goalkeeper's look and gear are different from those of field players. First of all, the colour of their shirts must be different from the colour of any of the playing teams' shirts. Hockey rules state that the goalkeepers must wear headgears, leg guards and kickers throughout the whole game. Nevertheless, the goalie's equipment should not significantly increase the size of the body. Some of the goalkeeper's hockey equipment is goalkeeper kickers, leg guards, elbow pads and groin protectors. Made from light yet durable materials this wear protects a goalie's body from injuries.
The FIH-approved hockey equipment is a must for anybody who is participating in official tournaments. However, even amateurs can benefit from its usage. The FIH approval is likely to guarantee the high quality of the purchased equipment, be it sticks, balls or body protection gear.
