There has been an update to the Arena rules for the 2023/24 season. These rule changes concern Rule 11: Precedence and Rule 12: Right of Way.

It is important that all players, clubs, coaches, and umpires read these rules in full. The affected rules are shown below with changes in italics, and can also be downloaded using the link. Please contact the HPA with any queries.

Rule 11: Precedence

f. A player with possession is entitled to continue down the LOB to hit the ball on his offside or nearside along the boards. Any defender who is waiting in a defensive position must remain outside the ROW until he is able to make a legitimate challenge. The ROW is taken to be approximately 5 feet.

Rule 12: Right of Way

f. Positive/Negative Play and the One Tap Rule. The player in possession should, always, play with positive intent and must, with an opponent in a defensive position, continue to move the ball. Between the two 25-yard zones, if they are moving at walking speed, a slow canter or stops they may tap the ball once only and then must leave it, accelerate to run with it or hit it away. Should they tap the ball once and leave it for another team player that player must immediately run with it or hit it away. Within the 25-yard zones and particularly along the boards (either on the nearside or offside) an attacking player may tap the ball more than once, but this must be with a positive intent to attack and shoot at the goal.

It will be at the umpire’s discretion whether a player is making a positive or negative play. If the attacker chooses to go to the boards inside the defending teams half, a “use it” call should be made and/or presumed by the players. If the attacker continues to carry the ball along the boards and is defended he may not slow down at any point either by choice or by a legitimate challenge from a defender. If any slowing down occurs then a “keep using it” call should be made and/or presumed. The player must then immediately hit the ball a minimum of 10yards. Only 1 “keep using it” call can be made in any single attack along the boards.

Defensive position. A player is deemed to be making a legitimate challenge if he is-

(a) In a position to make a legitimate ride off

(b) In a position to make a legitimate hook from behind

(c) Waiting in a legitimate position to make a legitimate challenge

If in the opinion of the umpire a player is too negative or does not adhere to any of these rules the whistle shall be blown, and a penalty awarded.