Field hockey players and fans, get ready for an important change in the rules for the upcoming 2023 high school season. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has recently announced a new rule change that affects how loose equipment on the field of play is handled. In the past, loose equipment that was not intentionally placed on the field was considered to be in play. However, under the new rule, any equipment that is not properly secured will now be ruled as a foul, regardless of intent.

This change is aimed at promoting player safety and fairness in the game. Loose equipment such as sticks, balls, or other objects can create dangerous situations for players, coaches, and officials, especially when in close proximity to a play. By ruling such equipment as a foul, the new rule provides a clear framework for addressing and preventing such situations.