• When is a ball considered to be out of the field of play?
• When is a 'bully' used during a match?

• Can a team play without a goalkeeper?
• In what BHA Divisions/Competitions are players permitted to play the so called 'tomahawk' shot?
• What is the (BHA) definition of a 'tomahawk'?

• What are the areas of control for the individual umpires during a match?
• What is the approximate path that an umpire should follow during a match?

FIH Rules

"7.1 The ball is out of play when it passes completely over the side-line or back-line."  When a ball is 'on the line', it is considered to be still in the field of play.

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"6.5 A bully takes place to re-start a match when time or play has been stopped for an injury or for any other reason and no penalty has been awarded . . ." In the Rules a description of the bully then follows.

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Local Rules

No! BHA has not adopted the recent changes to the FIH Rules in this area. (Refer Rule 2.2) Early in 2007 BHA adopted a position on this rule change as outlined by Hockey Queensland as follows:

"GOAL KEEPING: That the recommendation as follows from Hockey Australia be adopted by Hockey Queensland. Hockey Australia recommends to all State and Regional Associations that the change to the FIH rules is not adopted for competitions below national championship level – thereby meaning that teams do require a goalkeeper at all times (fully protected or minimum of a helmet) for a game to be played."

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The 'tomahawk' method of striking the ball is banned in all BHA divisions/competitions with the exception of the BHL1 and BHL2 divisions where this 'skill' is expected of players at representative level.

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The tomahawk is defined as “a backhand hit with a wind-up, using the edge of the stick."

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Umpiring

The following diagram has been copied from the HQ Website:

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The following diagram has been copied from the HQ Website:

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Umpiring and Rules FAQ - (c)2008 BHA Inc