For years, penalty corners have showcased thrilling action sequences on a hockey field. From the cannonball-like shots hurled by drag-flickers and “suicide runs” from defenders to block them to the goalkeepers diving and lunging to keep the ball out.
But now, the future of one of hockey’s most integral elements is being reconsidered, at least in its current avatar. The reason? Rising risk of injuries and a diminishing success rate.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has launched a consultation project titled, “Future of the Penalty Corner”, which aims to “balance between safety and the spectacle” of the set-piece.
The balance between this spectacular goal-scoring opportunity and the safety of the defending players is continuously monitored, with the Rules of Hockey considered accordingly.
A short online questionnaire has been developed to capture opinions on the current PC rules. Link is here
Although there will be no rule change until after the Paris Olympics in 2024, the FIH has told national federations: “We must consider making changes to the penalty corner rules BEFORE serious or fatal incidents occur and not wait to react until afterward.”
Although there will be no rule change until after the Paris Olympics in 2024, the FIH has told national federations: “We must consider making changes to the penalty corner rules BEFORE serious or fatal incidents occur and not wait to react until afterward.”
The move, depending on the direction in which this conversation flows, could have a profound impact on the game.
Penalty corners are the go-to method for scoring goals and drag-flickers often are celebrated as heroes of their teams. At the last two Olympics, four out of the top-five goalscorers were penalty-corner specialists.
Photo: sportstiger
