With the new season looming, England Hockey have released their officiating guidance for the 25/26 season.
If there are any further queries to the following, be sure to contact your umpiring committee.

Penalty Corners:

As previous, time will NOT be stopped for short corners.
Umpires will now have to use their whistle to start short corners rather than using their voice.

For consistency and the hope of giving newer umpires a bit more confidence, the decision has been made for short corners to be started with the blow of their whistle instead of using their voice (e.g. saying "play" or "when you are ready").

From this season, penalty corners should play out as follows:

Umpires will blow their whistle to award the Penalty Corner.
Allow the players enough time to put on their extra protective equipment and set up for the corner.
Umpires will then blow their whistle to indicate for the Penalty Corner to start.
The injector should play the ball within a couple of seconds of the whistle being blown and not delay too long.

It is felt this new way will have several benefits:

Most umpires, particularly those that are new to the game, are more confident blowing their whistle than using their voice, therefore it will be clearer to the players when to start.
It removes any ambiguity when umpires use the common phrase “when you’re ready” and it keeps the process the same if time is stopped for injury or other situation at a Penalty Corner.
It also allows all umpires to use a great number of online resources (e.g. video clips) to help their development, as they will now be following the main processes as seen on TV.

Face Masks
For this year, the FIH have mandated the used of face masks in all official international competitions.
For club level, England Hockey strongly recommend the use of face masks - for all levels and ages - when defending penalty corners, however, it is not mandated.

Player safety is always a key priority when it comes to playing hockey. During penalty corners, the ball speed and proximity has increased risk, face masks can significantly reduce the risk of facial injuries.

Please keep in mind that some events (e.g school/junior competitions and Junior Talent Academy Systems) will still have the regulations that face masks must be worn. Be sure to check before heading along!

The Aerial Rule
For this season the Aerial rule will stay the same.
Because of the ambiguity around it, I thought it would be good to remind everyone of it's current state:

Players must not approach within 5 metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled and is on the ground. The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance provided it is done safely.

The initial receiver has a right to the ball. If it is not clear which player is the initial receiver, the
player of the team which raised the ball must allow the opponent to receive it

Please keep in mind, the new Aerial rule shall be played for England Hockey National Premier Divisions, so will look different to the above.

EH's New transgender & Non-Binary Participation Policy
In January 2025, England Hockey announced a new Transgender & Non-Binary Participation Policy that will apply to England Hockey activity from September 2025. Detailed information on this policy can be found on the England Hockey website.

Officials need to be aware of some key guidance with this policy.

Like all other player eligibility issues, it is not the responsibility of an umpire or technical official to enforce. If a team is questioning the eligibility of players, this should be raised with the league / competition organisers. As part of the organiser’s investigation, they may get in touch with the officials to aid with an investigation.

If a team refuses to play or fails to complete a fixture against a team with a (suspected) transgender player, they may be deemed to have breached the League Regulations and be subject to the associated penalties set out in those regulations. Again, this will be down to the league / organisers to enforce.

Officials must be aware that, as per the FIH Rules of Hockey, “It is not acceptable for players to abuse opponents, umpires or other technical officials verbally or through body language and attitude. Umpires must deal firmly with abuse of this sort”. Therefore, if an umpire hears/sees the use of abusive language or behaviour this should be dealt with via a red card. If an umpire doesn’t hear/see the abuse but it is reported to them they should encourage the witness to report it and support with a follow up report via the correct discipline channels.

If umpires or technical officials require any further guidance or support on the England
Hockey Transgender Policy, they should contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk.

Here at Portsmouth Hockey Club we align our policy with that of England Hockey.

Safeguarding Awareness Course
It is important to understand how to create a safe and positive environment for all, including younger players and vulnerable adults.

Be sure to complete your FREE Safeguarding Awareness Course (available here)

Understand your responsibilities
Recognise and respond to concerns appropriately
Promote a safe culture of trust and respect across hockey

Even if you never have to face a safeguarding situation, it is always good to know to help uphold the standards expected in a game.

Quarters
The home team for Area League Premier Divisions may now choose to play their matches with 4 x 17.5-minute quarters rather than the standard 2 x 35-minute halves.
Umpires and officiators are advised to check they know which timing format the game shall be played in BEFORE match day.

It is also recommended to confirm with both captains on the day to insure everyone is on the same page and there is no miss-communication.

All other Area Divisions shall continue to play 2 x 35-minute halves.

SUMMARY

Penalty corners are now to start with a whistle
Face masks are not mandatory but highly recommended
No change to the Aerial rule
Be sure to read up on the EH Transgender & Non-Binary Policy
Do your FREE Safeguarding Course
Premier Divisions can now choose to play quarters instead of halves as long as mentioned BEFORE match day

Don't forget to do your Level-1 Unassessed Umpiring course while it is FREE! If you would like to get assessed, let someone from the committee know, or head directly to our Vice Chairman.

Gain the experience from umpiring our games, and receive £10 per game you umpire!