Story Links

Aug. 22, 2012

CHARLOTTESVILLE – There are several rule changes that will be in effect for the 2012 NCAA field hockey season. Below are four of the biggest changes to the game to look for this season.

Shoot-out
If a game is tied at the end of two overtime periods, the contest will now be decided in a shoot-out instead of being determined by penalty strokes.Players from each team take a one-on-one shoot-out alternately against the goalkeeper of the other team making a total of 10 shoot-outs. Each player will start 23m away from the goal. They have eight seconds starting when the ref blows the whistle to try to score a goal.
If an equal number of goals are scored or awarded after each team has taken 5 shoot-outs, a second series of shoot-outs is taken with the same players, subject to an incapacitated or suspended defending goalkeeper being replaced. If an equal number of goals are scored after a second series of 5 shoot-outs, additional series of shoot-outs are taken by the same players until one team finishes with an advantage.

Green Cards
Where a green card is issued, the offending player shall be suspended from the game for two (2) minutes.

“Own Goals”
The way a goal is scored is amended; it now includes what is sometimes referred to as an “own goal”. That is, a goal can now be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender.

Putting the ball back in play
Procedures for taking a free hit, center pass and putting the ball back into play have been changed. The ball may now be raised intentionally and directly using a push, flick or scoop action; this action must be conducted safely. This is essentially an evolution of what is known as a “self-pass” from a free hit. By having the option to raise the ball immediately, opposing players will not have had the opportunity to get closer than five meters; a raised ball should be safer.

The No. 8 Cavaliers open the 2012 season on the road on Friday, Aug. 24 when they take on Temple in Philadelphia. The 2012 home opener is Wednesday, Aug. 29 when the Cavaliers take on Richmond at 5 p.m. at Turf Field. Admission is free for all home regular-season field hockey contests.

Print Friendly Version