It’s a bit like the Hockey India League showing them
the way. Well, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) made a significant
announcement regarding the structure of the game, moving from the existing two
35-minute halves to four 15-minute quarters, a model that was tried out in the Hockey
India League as well as in the Euro Hockey League.
Just like what one saw in the Hockey India League, each team can avail a two-minute break after the first and third quarters, while the half time will comprise ten minutes.
The move is part of FIH’s desire to enhance the flow and intensity of the game as well as augment fan experience besides creating an opportunity for game presentation and analysis.
The world body also made other key changes. A 40-second time-out will be allowed for both penalty corner awards and also after a team scores a goal. The new regulations will be applied in all international competitions starting September 1, 2014.
The new rules will be in force during the 2014 Champions Trophy, World League Round 2, World League Semi-Final and Final among others.
The 2014 World Cup will be the last major event where the old rules will be in place. It remains to be seen how all the top teams as well as India cope with the new rules.
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