University of Massachusets Athletics
Rule Changes Coming to NCAA Field Hockey
August 20, 2019 | Field Hockey
Fans will notice a number of differences beginning in the 2019 season
AMHERST, Mass. – Fans of University of Massachusetts field hockey will notice two key rule changes at the NCAA level effective in time for the 2019 season. The Minutewomen begin the regular season on Fri., Aug. 30 at Ohio State and open up the Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex on Sat., Sept. 14 when UAlbany comes to Amherst for a 3 p.m. matchup.
Notable updates include the length of a regulation game and game clock operation on a penalty corner. An additional change which fans may not notice ensures student-athletes' game jerseys and socks are uniform.
NCAA Rule Change: Four 15-Minute Quarters
Previous: Two 35-Minute Halves
To align with FIH hockey, regulation matches in the NCAA now consist of four 15-minute quarters. Two-minute intermissions will take place between the first and second quarters, as well as third and fourth quarters. Halftime will continue to last 10 minutes. The added, natural stoppages in play between quarters coincide with an elimination of the team timeout.
Any ties at the end of regulation will be decided using up to two 10-minute "sudden victory" periods and, if necessary, shoot-out.
NCAA Rule Change: Game Clock Operation on Penalty Corners
Previous: Game Clock Continued to Run
The game clock will now stop when a penalty corner is awarded, in the same manner it stops when a goal is scored. Once both teams are set and ready for the corner, the umpire will use his or her whistle to resume play. At that point the clock operator will restart the clock.
For the latest news and updates around UMass field hockey, follow the team on Facebook (UMass Field Hockey), Twitter (@UMassFH) and Instagram (@UMassFieldHockey).
Notable updates include the length of a regulation game and game clock operation on a penalty corner. An additional change which fans may not notice ensures student-athletes' game jerseys and socks are uniform.
NCAA Rule Change: Four 15-Minute Quarters
Previous: Two 35-Minute Halves
To align with FIH hockey, regulation matches in the NCAA now consist of four 15-minute quarters. Two-minute intermissions will take place between the first and second quarters, as well as third and fourth quarters. Halftime will continue to last 10 minutes. The added, natural stoppages in play between quarters coincide with an elimination of the team timeout.
Any ties at the end of regulation will be decided using up to two 10-minute "sudden victory" periods and, if necessary, shoot-out.
NCAA Rule Change: Game Clock Operation on Penalty Corners
Previous: Game Clock Continued to Run
The game clock will now stop when a penalty corner is awarded, in the same manner it stops when a goal is scored. Once both teams are set and ready for the corner, the umpire will use his or her whistle to resume play. At that point the clock operator will restart the clock.
For the latest news and updates around UMass field hockey, follow the team on Facebook (UMass Field Hockey), Twitter (@UMassFH) and Instagram (@UMassFieldHockey).
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