ISLAMABAD, May 18: The International Hockey Federation has announced a change in the interpretation of the execution of a short corner, which will come into effect from June 1.

The change which will apply to all international matches has been designed to address the situation whereby a defender rushes directly at a shot taken from a penalty corner with the clear intention of being hit by the ball.

This could either block the shot, or under the current rules and interpretations, result in a free hit being awarded to the defending team. In order to maintain the spirit of fair play, the FIH will instruct umpires to penalize a defender who runs at a legitimate shot at goal from a penalty corner with the intention of blocking the ball with his body.

The defender will be cautioned and another penalty corner awarded to the attacking team. If the practice persists, awarding a penalty stroke and/or suspending the defending players will be considered by the umpires.

The change is being introduced in time for this year's Olympic Games being held in Athens. Secretary of the FIH Peter Cohen said that hockey is a sport well known for its spirit of fair play.

"We want to ensure this continues. The Olympics is an excellent time to showcase the best in hockey to the world, which is why we are introducing this new interpretation in June."