After three highly competitive seasons of the Hockey India League (HIL), the HIL Governing Committee has announced it will introduce new regulations to make the competition more competitive and intense.

One of the most significant changes for the 2016 HIL season will be the new goal-scoring system. Field Goals will be given more priority than Penalty Corners, with two goals awarded for every Field Goal to encourage more skilful and tactical hockey.

To curb rough tackles and maintain discipline among players, two goals will awarded to every Penalty-Stroke goal scored (other than from Penalty Strokes resulting from a Penalty Corner).

Two Goals will also be awarded for every goal scored from a Penalty Stroke resulting from a Penalty Corner where a goal is prevented from being scored by a deliberate foul.

The rest of the goal-scoring points system remains the same where Penalty Corner goals, goals scored from a Penalty Stroke resulting from a Penalty Corner (where a goal is prevented from being scored as a result of the ball hitting a foot or body) as well as a goal from a direct shoot-out and Penalty Stroke goals in a shoot-out competition, will be considered as one goal.

HIL hope that with the new regulations, the HIL will see the world's best players showcase their hockey skills to score more goals through open play via field goals. HIL also hope that the new regulations will reduce aggressive moves and maintain discipline among players.

Another amendment is that each franchisee will have a squad of 20 players with a composition of 12 Indian players and eight foreign players. 

The squad must have minimum two goalkeepers sitting on the bench and all the players of 20-member squad will be listed in the match sheet and must be present at their respective team’s dug-out during the HIL matches.

Speaking on the announcement Hockey India President and Hockey India League Chairman Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra said: "Penalty Corners give undue advantage to those teams which have penalty corner specialists. The teams also fight to earn Penalty Corners rather than trying to score goals through skill in open play. The new system will encourage teams and players to play to score goals instead of looking for Penalty Corners. The system will surely enhance players’ skills and mentality of playing good hockey. HIL is committed to promoting the world’s best hockey and with these new regulations, players will improve themselves in a competitive environment. We expect Hockey India League to continue its legacy of high-class hockey and take the sport to a new level.”

HIL 2016 REGULATIONS
Team Composition
Squad of 20 players.
12 Indian players.
8 Foreign players.
Minimum of 2 goalkeepers in the squad and sitting on the bench.

Playing Composition
All players will be listed on the match sheet for each match and allowed on the bench.

Player Replacement
A Franchise can now make immediate replacements by selecting a player from the HIL Reserve List 2016.
Complete the Replacement Player Application Form as per the HIL Player Replacement Policy 2016.

Scoring
New goal-scoring points.
The first time played in any hockey competition.

• For every Field Goal and Penalty Stroke Goal scored in a match other than resulting from a Penalty Corner: 2 goals
• For every goal scored from a Penalty Stroke resulting from a Penalty Corner where a goal being scored is prevented by a deliberate foul: 2 goals
• For every Penalty Corner scored in a match: 1 goal
• For every goal scored from a Penalty Stroke resulting from a Penalty Corner (where a goal being scored is prevented as a result of the ball hitting a foot or body): 1 goal
• In a shoot-out competition a goal from a direct Shoot-out and a Penalty Stroke: 1 goal

These amendments were made ahead of the HIL 2015 auction which is scheduled for 17 September. There, 135 Indian and 141 Foreign Players will go under the hammer.

Earlier in August 2015, HIL had provided all the franchisees the option to retain up to 3 Indian and 3 foreign players, while releasing the rest of the squad.

With 276 players to get auctioned, each franchisee will be looking at a strong team with the hope of having the required edge over others.

To keep up to date with all the latest information about the HIL, visit the official website by clicking here.