Which rules apply in South Africa in 2027, and what has changed?

Q: Which rules apply in South Africa in 2027, and what has changed?

The SA Hockey Association is a member of FIH, whose Rules of Hockey apply to all hockey players and officials. FIH has published a 2027 edition, effective for international hockey from 1 November 2026. National associations decide when it starts domestically; this guide follows the 2027 edition. FIH also says its Rules, and the Tournament Regulations that vary them, apply at the top domestic league level unless a national association opts out with FIH approval. Main changes in the 2027 edition (no core elements of the game change): 1.9: corner flag-posts no longer compulsory (regulations may still require them). 1.11: team benches sit outside and along one side of the field. 2.3: time no longer has to be stopped for goalkeeper substitutions; a team can still ask. 4.6: players must not use or carry any communication device. 9.8: a dangerous ball is penalised where the danger arises, with an exception for a defender's deflection outside the circle. 13.2 b and f: clearer rules on players inside 5 m at a free hit, and on the ball entering the circle. 13.3 a and i: about 40 seconds as a guide to set up a corner; the injector must play immediately. 13.3 n: clearer penalty corner kit rules and penalties. 13.5: a bully now completes a penalty corner instead of a retake. Rule 14: no second green or yellow card for the same person; yellow cards are 5 or 10 minutes; team officials can be carded, and the team plays a player short. FIH also asks for stricter action on shielding the ball with the stick, on stationary balls at free hits, and on intentional balls over the back-line.

Question

Accepted Answer

The SA Hockey Association is a member of FIH, whose Rules of Hockey apply to all hockey players and officials. FIH has published a 2027 edition, effective for international hockey from 1 November 2026. National associations decide when it starts domestically; this guide follows the 2027 edition. FIH also says its Rules, and the Tournament Regulations that vary them, apply at the top domestic league level unless a national association opts out with FIH approval.

Main changes in the 2027 edition (no core elements of the game change):

1.9: corner flag-posts no longer compulsory (regulations may still require them).
1.11: team benches sit outside and along one side of the field.
2.3: time no longer has to be stopped for goalkeeper substitutions; a team can still ask.
4.6: players must not use or carry any communication device.
9.8: a dangerous ball is penalised where the danger arises, with an exception for a defender's deflection outside the circle.
13.2 b and f: clearer rules on players inside 5 m at a free hit, and on the ball entering the circle.
13.3 a and i: about 40 seconds as a guide to set up a corner; the injector must play immediately.
13.3 n: clearer penalty corner kit rules and penalties.
13.5: a bully now completes a penalty corner instead of a retake.
Rule 14: no second green or yellow card for the same person; yellow cards are 5 or 10 minutes; team officials can be carded, and the team plays a player short.

FIH also asks for stricter action on shielding the ball with the stick, on stationary balls at free hits, and on intentional balls over the back-line.