Hockey 5s was approved at the FIH Congress in Kuala Lumpur in 2012. PAHF adopted the new format for the Pan American Youth Championships, as it will be the format used at the 2104 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
What did the participants think of the new format of hockey?
At the end of the tournament, we asked some players, coaches, umpires and technical officials. Their feedback regarding this first experience will contribute to assess the new format, and possibly make it evolve.
“It is new and looks good, but rules are not clear for most of the actors; this does not help the game. Players seem to be enjoying the game, but it has a big physical demand. I would like to see this format with one more player in the pitch” said Gonzalo FERRER, U17 Uruguayan Coach.
Tamara DURANTE, USA National team considers it is a good chance for players to learn different rules and to play with the boards.
Could you make an appraisal of this first experience in hockey 5?
It is a great opportunity for our players to play hockey with different rules and the use of the boards. With only 4 field players it allows each player to have more touches on the ball. In some respects it makes the game more exciting for fans as there are more goals scored.
Did you like /enjoy the format?
We would have liked to see a format where the round-robin games meant more in the final standings.
How did the players like it?
I believe they really enjoyed the tournament and the atmosphere here in Uruguay. Competing with a smaller squad was also pleasant. They really enjoyed the speed and tempo of the matches.
If changes would depend on you, which suggestions would you make?
We would change the challenges…have the players go to the middle of the pitch instead of the 11 metre line.
Free hits inside the half cannot be shot on goal or hit off the back board without being touches by an attacker (this would prevent teams from hitting the ball very hard at the goal and make it dangerous for players).
If the ball is intentionally sent over the back boards it should be a challenge
If a team has a 2-min yellow card and they scored on by the opposing team, the penalised player should be allowed to come back in.
Mexico players looked more familiar with the new format, as they have been playing hockey5s for a while.
“It is a fast sport, demanding more participation of all players, and needs more decision making from all players too. Defense and attacks are quick. The team enjoyed the matches, mainly for the continuity of the game” said Mario ROSALES, National team Coach.
Santiago CAPURRO, Argentinean Coach, said it is an attractive game for the fans and its dynamics results in good number of goals. “I don’t like the board at the back. I think it is an advantage for the team with fewer proposals. It is an extra chance for the attackers that fail a shot and allows the defense to clear the ball using the boards.
It is fun for the players as there is continuous involvement in the game, but when they are “out of air” it is difficult to continue without making errors. I would add another player and eliminate the back boards” concluded the Argentinean coach.
Umpires are important actors at these tournaments. What did they think?
Mary DRISCOLL – USA Umpire said:
“I enjoy Hockey 5's. It is a quick game and has my favorite indoor and outdoor elements put together. I like the simplicity of the rules". she said, and pointed out some changes she would propose.
“Wood boards start to split and are slippery when wet and should not be permitted. If a challenge is called and then time runs out before it begins, I think we should let them play it out like we would a penalty stroke".
The American umpire thinks adding a 6th player would be good and sees that taking the bully only at the centerline is not always fair.
Denise PELLETIER – Canadian Umpire gave the following feedback:
“Hockey 5s is a fast, non-stop exciting game of field hockey. The boards allow for continuous play and the opportunity to enhance the speed of the game. I like the format but there are a few changes to the game I would possibly make, I would put an extra player on the field and turn it in to hockey 6s and allow teams to have 12 players instead of 10.
Some clarifications are needed on 4 meters and shots taken on cage from a free hit.
The rules I would like to see changed are:
Allowing a challenge to be completed at the end of the time if needed. And an extra player to make it 6”, Denise, commented.
What did the Technical Officials think?
Victoria ALEMÁN, liked the format.
“I like it; it is good that players can shoot from any place in the pitch to the goals. This makes it fun. I like the “challenges” thou in my opinion more faults should be penalized with challenges.
From the Technical Table we could see that the free shot from the 11 meters created some confusion, regarding the distance the ball has to travel to shoot the goal. I would like to see the game with one more player in the field, this will give one minute breathe", said the appointed judge at the Tournament in Uruguay.
Both Tournaments men’s and women’s have been a big success.
Hockey5s appeared as an interesting variation, enjoyable, quick and with simple rules. A deep analysis of the relevant opinions might generate changes to improve the game.
