HANDBOOK

THIS SEASON

Key Updates for 2025 – Wellington Hockey Open Grade

Game Duration Adjustments

• Matches will now be four 17-minute quarters (instead of halves).

• No stoppages for penalty corners or goals to keep games running on time.

Player Eligibility & Transfers

• Premier 1 players must be at least 15 years old at the start of the season.

• Players who play 9 or more games in a higher-ranked team are permanently moved up.

• All club-to-club transfers must be completed by the fourth-to-last round robin game.

Code of Conduct & Fair Play

• Stronger enforcement of penalties for abuse of umpires, dangerous play, and misconduct.

• Complaints must come from club officials—players and coaches cannot submit them directly.

Injury & Safety Protocols

• New concussion rules: Any player suspected of having a concussion must be medically cleared before playing again.

• Blood Bin Rule: Players must leave the field immediately if bleeding and change stained clothing before returning.

Match Rescheduling & Cancellations

• Matches will only be rescheduled for players in official representative tournaments (e.g., National Champs).

• If a game is abandoned before the fourth quarter, it may be rescheduled or recorded as a 0-0 draw.

Match Administration & Umpires

• Match line-ups must be submitted in PlayHQ before each game. Failure to do so results in an automatic forfeit.

• Umpires will now report penalty cards separately via an online form.