The sport of Hockey has announced a change to the way in which the sport is played with two 35 minute halves being replaced by four 15 minute quarters from September of this year.
The changes are intended to produce a higher intensity, faster paced and more exciting game of hockey.
As of September 1st, major events such as the Champions Trophy, Hockey World League Finals and Rio 2016 Olympic Games will assume the new format that also includes having 40-second time-outs when a penalty corner is awarded and after a goal is scored.
The changes are perhaps the most dramatic in the sport’s history but will lead to a potentially more engaging experience for fans. The format works well in a wide variety of sports from American Football to Basketball.
While sport is often seen from outside as traditional and bound to strict rules, change does come and is accepted quickly once introduced for the right reasons and in the right manner.
Doubtless it will be the talk of the Irish Hockey Awards which take place in Dublin this lunchtime, hopefully in a positive manner. Given that Ireland’s Men’s team missed out on qualification for the London Olympics with a goal seconds from the end of Extra Time two years ago, it is a change which could have been transformational for the sport but that is just conjecture.
What is fact is that hockey is currently thriving with a waiting list for clubs in Dublin and new centres opening up to accommodate growing interest. It’s appeal can be seen through the ‘Happy’ Video below, being used to promote the Rabobank sponsored World Hockey Cup in the Netherlands in May.
“The decision demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement,” said Leandro Negre, President of the Federation of International Hockey announcing the changes.
“With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategize.”
