The FIH has recently made it mandatory for defenders to wear face masks when defending penalty corners in all FIH competitions. Following a recommendation from the FIH Health & Safety Committee based on protecting athlete welfare and safety, changes to the “Penalty Corner Countdown Clock” regulations have been made with immediate effect.

Hockey WA also has concerns about player safety and will implement the following changes to playing conditions to protect athletes and maintain safe hockey environments.

Mandatory Face Masks*

Masks will be required for the following teams.Senior Turf competitions (Premier Leagues 1-3, Div 4 and lower, Midweek Masters)

O/40 Div 1 and O/50 Div 1 Men’s Masters

Junior 9/10 and 11/12 competitions

• All players defending a penalty corner must wear a face mask.
• Players not wearing a face mask must stand beyond the half-line.
• Drag flicks of any height are permitted.

Non-mandatory Face Masks - Highly Encouraged

Senior Grass competitions (O/40 Div 2 and lower, O/50 Div 2 and lower, all O/60 Masters Men and all Metro competitions)

Other Junior Competitions (all J 7/8 and all J 5/6 divisions)

• All players defending a penalty corner are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask but not required.
• The first shot at goal (including drag flicks) must be at backboard height or below when crossing the line.

Umpire Changes

Umpires will be instructed to allow players reasonable time to wear protective equipment. As stated in the “Countdown Clock” regulations:

In the event that a team is not ready, the engaged Umpire is to determine whether the delay is intentional or, in the case of the defending team, if the delay is due to players finding and putting on their full protective equipment. The priority for the umpires is athlete safety and welfare, and therefore if a little more time is required for all defenders to be ready and fully protected, this should be given, without penalty. If, however, the Umpire is of the view that there is an intentional delay resulting in a team not being ready within the aforesaid 40 seconds, the Umpire is to identify and issue a personal penalty (i.e. a green card) to the player who is responsible for the delay, with an increased personal penalty (i.e. a yellow card) for repeated offences.

Joondalup Lakers Hockey Club Response

Through the collective efforts of our members and community in donating their empty drink containers through the Containers For Change program, the club has successfully raised enough funds to invest in essential protective gear. We have been able to purchase four high-quality metal face masks for each team*, ensuring that all players have access to the necessary safety equipment.

At JLHC, player safety is a top priority and we are committed to providing a safe hockey environment for all. We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this cause and encourage your continued participation in the program to support future club initiatives.

Containers For Change member number - C10241447