The International Hockey Federation has sought to clarify Rule 9.11 of the game, saying only intentional stopping of the ball by a part of a player's body would be regarded as an offence.

Rule 9.11 of the Rules of Hockey 2007/8 states: "Field players must not stop, kick, propel, pick up, throw or carry the ball with any part of their body."

But, the FIH clarified: "It is not always an offence if the ball hits the foot, hand or body of a field player. The player only commits an offence if they voluntarily use their hand, foot or body to play the ball or if they position themselves with the intention of stopping the ball in this way.

"It is not an offence if the ball hits the hand holding the stick but would otherwise have hit the stick."

The additional note has been incorporated in an endeavour of the FIH to reinforce the intended interpretation of this rule.