Each week we will be providing a "Rule of the Week" for players and umpirs to develop their knownledge and skills of the game.

The full FIH rule book is attached below for anyone who is feeling adventurous 

This week being the first edition there will be one rule and one explination of what tools umpires use throughout a game.

Rule 3 - The 5m Rule

There are 2 different scenarios that effect the taking of free hits and who needs to be 5m away.

In the middle of the field. (Between the 2 x 23m lines)

Rule 13.2 - (b)

Opponents must be at least 5 metres from the ball

If an opponent is within 5 metres of the ball, they must not interfere with the taking of the free hit or must not play or attempt to play the ball. If this player is not playing the ball, attempting to play the ball or influencing play, the free hit need not be delayed.

Inside the 23m area

Rule 13.2 (c)

When a free hit is awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5 metres from the ball, except as specifically indicated below for attacking free hits awarded within 5 metres of the circle

Rule 13.2 (f):

From a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres, not necessarily in a single direction, or has been touched by a player of the defending team

If the player taking the free hit continues to play the ball (ie no defending player has yet touched it):

- that player may play the ball any number of times, but

- the ball must travel at least 5 metres, before

- that player plays the ball into the circle by hitting or pushing the ball again.

Alternatively :

after a defending player has touched the ball, it can be played into the circle by any other player including the player who took the free hit.

At an attacking free hit awarded within 5 metres of the circle, the ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or it has been touched by a defending player. If the free hit is taken immediately the defenders who are inside the circle within 5 metres of the free hit may shadow around the inside of the circle a player who takes a self-pass, provided that they do not play or attempt to play the ball or influence play until it has either travelled at least 5 metres or alternatively been touched by a defending player who can legitimately play the ball. If the attacker chooses not to take the free hit immediately, all other players must be at least 5 metres from the ball before the free hit is taken.

Other than as indicated above, any playing of the ball, attempting to play the ball or interference by a defender or an attacker who was not 5 metres from the ball, should be penalised accordingly.

It is permitted to play the ball high above the attacking circle so that it lands outside the circle subject to Rules related to dangerous play and that the ball is not legitimately playable inside or above the circle by another player during its flight.