An Umpires meeting was held in the UK this summer result in some rule changes. Rule 23 where the #3 is positioned on a missed goal. The old rule is that the #3 must follow on the # 1’s horses hip. The new rule is that the # 3 must follow behind (coming from the area) and be no closer than 10 yards.

New rule

23. Goal Scoring Areas
(a) Goals must be attempted from within the areas AXYZA1B1B or DPQRD1C1C. These are termed the ‘goal scoring areas’. It shall not be deemed a goal if it is attempted from outside BB1 or CC1 nor from inside XYZ or PQR.

Throwing in after an attempt at goal has failed
(b) Should an attempt at goal fail or should an attempt at goal be deflected over the back line by the No 3, the defending “Back” shall throw the ball into play from behind the penalty line at a position in a direct line from where the ball crossed the back line. The ball in this instance must be thrown at least 10 metres in any forward direction.
No player is to be within 10 metres of the spot from where the throw is to take place, the “Attack” player of the opposing side must follow the “Back” from 10 metres behind. No player shall attempt to touch the ball or interfere with the player taking the throw until the player and ball have travelled 10 metres. The player taking the throw shall have first attempt at the ball provided the player maintains control of the ball.

(c) Should the throw not travel 10 metres the umpire shall throw in from the nearest sideline in centre field.

The other new thing the IPC wants to incorporate is that it will be illegal to reach across the center line of the opposing players’ horse. That will include picking up a ball off the ground and hitting a racquet. These were the major changes, others were minor. There was some discussion of every country adopting the international rules.