Penalty corners, face masks and overhead rule amended for season 2025

Top End hockey players will need to have a rules refresher ahead of the weekend with a number of amendments being introduced for 2025. See what the changes are and why they were made here.

Hockey NT has introduced a number of rule changes for the 2025 season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Hockey NT has announced a number of rules changes for the 2025 Darwin hockey season.

With the intent of prioritising player welfare and aligning itself with the rest of the nation as well as the FIH, the rule changes will commence effective immediately with the competition’s first round of fixtures this weekend.

The rule changes affect penalty corners (TPL only), the overhead rule and face masks.

“These rule changes reflect our commitment to best practice and player welfare,” Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said.

“Mandating face masks and piloting the overhead rule ensures we’re creating a safer playing environment while aligning with the modern standards of the game.

“It’s about giving our players every opportunity to compete confidently and responsibly.”

MORE HOCKEY: Club by club guide to the 2025 Territory Premier League season

Women’s TPL players at the 2025 launch – (L to R) Zita Varatharajan, Maya Nunn, Holly Beath, Koda Carne, Kleo Sailor and Erin Broadway. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rule Amendments 2025

PENALTY CORNER COUNTDOWN CLOCK (TPL)

– When a penalty corner is awarded, play will pause for up to 40 seconds for defenders to put on protective gear.

– All defending players must wear face or head protection.

– If both teams are ready within 40 seconds, play will resume immediately.

Delays and Penalties:

– Unintentional delays (e.g., still putting on gear) = Additional time may be granted for safety.

– Intentional delays = A green card will be issued, escalating to a yellow card for repeated offences.

– If penalised, defending teams must play with one fewer player.

OVERHEAD RULE

Hockey NT is adopting the FIH Rule 9.10 trial:

– Players must not approach within five metres of an opponent receiving a falling overhead ball until it is touched.

– Interceptions within five metres are allowed if done outside playing distance and safely.

– The initial receiver has priority, if unclear, the team that lifted the ball must allow the opponent to receive it.

FACE MASKS

– Effective Round 1 2025, (up to Round 5 ‘grace’ period for B and C grade only) all players defending a penalty corner must wear a protective face mask in TPL, B-grade, C-grade, Under-16 and Under-13

Mandatory Grade Rule:

– Players without a face mask must return to the halfway line and cannot participate in the penalty corner.

– If no defenders have masks, the penalty corner will proceed with fewer players, and only the goalkeeper may defend if necessary.

– FIH Rule 4.2 – Should a free hit be awarded to the defending team during a penalty corner, defending players are permitted to immediately pass the ball wearing protective equipment, however they are not permitted to take a self-pass (self play).

– Reckless removal of face masks may result in a penalty at the umpire’s discretion including a yellow card where deemed appropriate.

Originally published as Penalty corners, face masks and overhead rule amended for season 2025