Mumbai : Hockey India’s revolutionary rule change for the upcoming HI League in which a field goal will be counted as two could be viewed with a lot of interest by the games world body, FIH, according to Dabang Mumbai coach Jay Stacy.
“I am not sure (whether it will be seen at the international level), but I am sure they will review the rules and am sure FIH would be watching and taking great interest in how it pans out, what happens after a few matches and after the League,” said the former Australia international here after overseeing a training session of his team at the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited’s Mahindra Stadium on Saturday.
“Everything is worth experimenting. We will see how it goes, but it should be a fine opportunity. Perhaps there will be greater emphasis on creating attacking strategies, to create field scoring opportunities.
“It will be better for fans and people watching. It could be good. But I don’t really know. Could make it exciting, we have to wait to see,” added the four-time Olympian, who represented his country in 321 internationals between 1987 and 2000.
In the past too some experimental rules like the four-quarter period, instead of the age-old two-halves format, was first adopted in HIL before the same was replicated by FIH at the international level.
This being the Olympic year, preceded by the FIH Champions Trophy, a suggestion that the top players could be a bit wary in getting injured, was rejected outright by the 47-year-old Melbourne resident.
“If you get worried about getting injured you have probably more chances to get injured. They are professionals and they know how to manage their body. They have played international hockey long enough to know recovery aspect, the nutrition, diet, fluids and everything to keep body in 100 per cent conditions.
“I am sure most countries treat it that way. The International matches that you are able to play is very important as part of preparation for the Olympic Games,” said Stacy.
