KARACHI, Aug 16: Hockey goalkeepers may now play without headgear as the International Hockey Federation has recommended some changes in the rules of the game to make it more attacking.

As per recently published hockey rule book, to be applicable in 2007 and 2008, a team will have three options as far as fielding a custodian of the goal is concerned.

“We've set out three clear options: playing with a goalkeeper wearing full protective equipment, a goalkeeper wearing only protective headgear or no headgear at all,” Wolfgang Rommel, chairman of the Hockey Rules Board said.

In the first option, goalkeeper must not take part in the match outside 23-metre area his team is defending, except when taking a penalty corner.

As per second option, goalkeeper must not take part in the match outside 23-metre area his team is defending when wearing only a headgear, but may remove it and take part in the match anywhere on the field.

The rules, however, make it compulsory for a goalie to wear headgear while defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke.

The federation has provided two options to goalkeepers to save a goal.

They may use their hands, arms or any other part of the body to move ball away to save goal and not to propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance. However, in another option, goalkeepers may use their sticks, feet, kickers, legs or leg guards to propel the ball forcefully.

The goalies are not allowed to lie on the ball and have been asked to use stick when playing outside the striking circle.

One more important change in the rule book is that defenders may now stop a high shot at goal with sticks. “We want to make it clear that it isn't an offence when stopping a shot above shoulder height,” Richard Aggiss, a member of the HRB, said.—PPI