Drum roll please…
We canvassed your opinions on what the correct call is for this FHA inside the hash line. Now, here's the answer from the FIH umpires who were on the game.
The verdict is: play on.
As you'll recall, the FIH guidance set out very clearly that when a free hit for the attack is taken within the 5m hash line, “[d]efenders who are inside the circle within 5 metres of the free hit are [therefore] not interfering with play” because the attacker cannot play the ball directly into the circle. The key is that once the second attacker touches the ball, the free hit rules are off, so a defender who had been caught within the 5m zone is legal to attempt a tackle.
At the end of the day, defenders will be coached how to properly deal with this play. What we see occurring now is that defenders caught within 5m holding their places, but so do defenders who were outside the 5m zone also stand and watch even once the ball is in play, rather than stepping up to attempt a tackle (which they may legally do). Players will make the adjustment and this play won't be the surprise it is right now.
Big thanks to Jamie Hooper (WAL) and Nick Bennett (ENG) who took the time to explain the scenario on Facebook and share their insight.
The intention of the Rule change is to assist game flow, such that the attack is able to take a quick free hit from the
point of the offence, rather than have to take the ball back to the dotted 5 metres line.
All players other than the player taking the free hit should be at least 5 metres from the ball. If a player is within 5
metres of the ball, they must not interfere with the taking of the free hit or must not play or attempt to play the ball.
If this player is not playing the ball, attempting to play the ball or influencing play, the free hit need not be delayed.
A player within 5 metres of the ball at the taking of the free hit is not allowed to engage with play prior to the ball
having travelled at least 5 metres.
However, at a free hit the ball cannot enter the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres if the same player
continues to play the ball or it has been touched by another player of either team. Defenders who are inside the
circle within 5 metres of the free hit are therefore not interfering with play and may also shadow around the inside
of the circle a player who takes a self-pass, provided that they do not play or attempt to play the ball or influence
play until it has either travelled at least 5 metres or alternatively has been touched by another player of either team
who can legitimately play the ball.
Players inside the circle who were 5 metres or more from the point of the free hit are not allowed to move and
remain in a ‘set’ position within 5 metres of the ball when the free hit is taken.
Other than indicated above, any playing of the ball, attempting to play the ball or interference by a defender or an
attacker who was not 5 metres from the ball, should be penalised accordingly.