HockeyHK 24-25 Circular no. 6 - Update on FIH Regulations regarding Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask

14 February 2025

Attachment: FIH Regulations on Protective face masks for Defending PCs 27 January 2025

To:  Convenors of Affiliated Clubs (Men’s and Women’s)
       All Registered Umpires & Coaches

Cc:  HockeyHK Council Members
       HockeyHK Sections’ Committee Members

Dear all,

Happy lunar new year and wish everyone a prosperous year of the snake.

The FIH announced on 27 January 2025 a mandatory requirement on wearing head or face protection when defending penalty corners applicable to both indoor and outdoor hockey.  Please see the attachment for more details.

The HockeyHK Council considers the new requirement can further improve the safety and welfare of players, and fully supports its implementation.  With effect from 1 March 2025, the new requirement will be adopted in ALL local and international competitions (indoor and outdoor). 

For local competitions, should a defending team not have enough head or face protections, the number of defenders will be reduced accordingly and only defenders wearing head or face protections are permitted to defend penalty corners.  This requirement will apply to the Premier and 1st Divisions starting on 1 March 2025 and will be applicable to all Divisions on 1 September 2025. 

Regards

Ernest LI
Hon Secretary General