As you’ll be aware, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced some changes to the Rules of Hockey. Details can be found on pages 5 - 7 of the 2015 FIH Rules Book.

These changes take effect at International level from 1st January 2015 and will be implemented in the Investec Women’s Hockey League (IWHL) and the Now Pensions Men’s Hockey League (NPMHL) upon the resumption of the outdoor season on 31st January 2015.

Beneath the IWHL and NPMHL, the changes will not be implemented in England mid season, with one exception - we will allow the use of the new style face masks at all levels of the game with immediate effect.

We are now seeking the views of the hockey community to determine whether there are any overwhelming reasons why we should apply to FIH to opt out of the introduction of any of the new Rules beneath the IWHL and NPMHL and, if so, at what levels and/or age groups.

We would therefore appreciate you completing the survey which can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RulesConsultation2015

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will close at 5pm on 23rd February 2015.

When the survey has closed, the feedback we have gathered will be analysed and then considered by the England Hockey Board at its meeting on 17th March. We will confirm our decision on the adoption of the new Rules beneath the National Leagues by 31st March.