The Summer Competition follows current FIH rules, with the following modifications;
This was updated 7th of October for '"Balls unintentionally rising from a player trapping or attempting to trap the ball should not be penalised unless another player is within playing distance of the ball."
1) Composition of Teams
a. Only Field Players compete in this competition teams do not have a goalkeeper
b. Each senior team should have a minimum of five (5) females on the field at all times but the umpire may, at their absolute discretion, allow this to be varied for a fair and equitable game.
2) Match and Result
a. Scores are not kept for games in Summer Hockey.
3) Playing the Ball
a. Players must not Hit the ball, a Hit (which is not permitted in Sumer hockey) Striking or hitting the ball using a swinging movement of the stick towards the ball.
b. ‘Slap’ hitting the ball, which involves a long pushing or sweeping movement with the stick, on either the forehand or backhand, before making contact with the ball, is not permitted.
c. Players must not play the ball with the back of the stick.
4) Dangerous Play - Players must not play the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play including;
a. When it causes legitimate evasive action by players or
b. Balls unintentionally rising from a player trapping or attempting to trap the ball should not be penalised unless another player is within playing distance of the ball.
c. When it is played such that it is lifted more than 30cm above the turf, or if it contacts another player where it would have been lifted more than 30cm above the turf. This rule has no exception and will be applied even if the lift is a “shot on goal” or
d. If the ball is played deliberately and hard into an opponent’s stick, feet or hands with associated risk of injury when a player is in a ‘set’ or stationary position or;
e. When a players collecting, turning and trying to play the ball deliberately through a defending player who is either close to the player in possession or is trying to play the ball are both dangerous actions and should be dealt with under this Rule.
The penalty is awarded where the action causing the danger took place.
A personal penalty may also be awarded to offending players.
5) Penalty Corners & Penalty Stroke - Penalty Corners (PC) and Penalty Strokes (PS) are not played in Summer Hockey. If an Offence occurs such that a PC or PS would have been awarded instead a Restart by the Attack on the 23m line will be awarded (Long Corner) with the following considerations;
a. It will be in line with where the Offence occurred
b. A reminder that from the Attacking Restart on the 23m line the ball must travel 5m before being passed into the circle and all players except the player taking the free hit must be 5m from the free hit.