NFHS Committee Approves Self Pass Rule

One of the most significant rule changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee makes a self-pass legal for several ball insertion situations. The changes, which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors, will take effect with the 2010-11 season.

The changes will allow a team to use the self-pass as a means of inserting center passes, 16-yard hits, side-ins, free hits, long hits and all free hits awarded outside the 25-yard area. The defense must still remain 7 yards from the ball.

BEND RULE CHANGES

In addition, Rule 1-6-4, which concerns illegal bowed sticks, has lifted the requirement of having a visible and permanently labeled stick. The committee decided the concern of illegal bowed sticks has been resolved at the high school level, and because officials could more easily spot an illegal stick, the requirement could be dropped.