Hockey has always been at the forefront of innovation. It was the first sport to introduce video referrals, removed the offside rule, and replaced penalty strokes with shootouts in tied matches. These decisions made the game faster, more exciting, and easier for fans to follow. The introduction of four quarters pushed players to improve fitness drastically. Video referrals took pressure off umpires and gave technology a role in decision-making.
However, not every rule has stood the test of time. In recent years, the FIH and other governing bodies introduced several changes that were quickly rolled back. Here are four rules that didn’t survive long.
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The Hockey’s Own Goal Rule (2012–2013)
In 2013, the FIH experimented with a rule that allowed an own goal to count if a defender deflected a ball into the net after it was played from outside the circle. Previously (and now again), an attacking player must touch the ball inside the circle for a goal to stand.
The idea was to create more goal-scoring opportunities. But in reality, the rule added confusion. It became hard to determine who touched the ball last in a fast-paced match. The rule faced backlash and was scrapped within two years.
Field Goals Count Double (HIL-2016, EHL- 2017 )
Introduced in the final season of Hockey India League 1.0, this rule gave double value to field goals to reduce the growing dominance of penalty corners. Drag-flick specialists like Gonzalo Peillat were scoring frequently, and field goals were declining.
To restore balance and promote attacking play, officials gave field goals extra weight. Even the Euro Hockey League adopted the same idea in 2017. But the move backfired. Teams began deliberately wasting penalty corners to try for field goals. Gameplay strategies became erratic, and the rule failed to engage fans or players. Both HIL and EHL eventually dropped the idea.
Outfield Player Performing Goalkeeping Duties (2015-2018)
FIH allowed teams to substitute an outfield player for the goalkeeper to boost attacking numbers late in matches. The outfield player could act as a goalkeeper but without wearing protective gear. While it added drama to closing minutes, it raised serious safety concerns.
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In 2019, the FIH amended this rule. Teams can still remove the goalkeeper, but the substitute outfield player no longer has goalkeeping privileges. This struck a balance between tactical risk and player safety.
Substitutions During Penalty Corners (1995-1998)
Earlier, teams could substitute players just before a penalty corner was taken. PC specialists like Sohail Abbas, known for his drag-flicks but not for defending, would be subbed in just for the set-piece and then sent back out.
The FIH eventually clamped down. Only players on the field when the penalty corner is awarded can take part now. But teams have creatively exploited this rule. During the 2023 World Cup, Australia used a workaround. Blake Govers, a PC expert, would wait on the sideline. If Australia won a corner, he’d quickly substitute in. If not, he’d return to the bench without affecting the play.
Hockey’s willingness to test bold ideas shows the sport’s progressive mindset. But innovation must strike a balance between excitement, fairness, and clarity. These scrapped rules serve as reminders that not every change improves the game. The best innovations are those that serve both players and fans without compromising the spirit of the sport.
Which of these rules did you find the most surprising? Or do you think any of them deserved a second chance? Let us know in the comments section below. Or tag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky to share your take. We’d love to hear your take.
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