Taking cue from Hockey India League, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to implement four-quarter format of 15 minutes each starting on September 1. This means that there will be more space for advertisements and hockey can be marketed in a similar manner as that of cricket.
That's exactly what came out of FIH's release on Thursday. As per the new format, the overall game time will move from 70 minutes to 60 with four 15-minute quarters with a time-out for penalty corner setup and goals. After the first and third quarters, each team will have a two-minute break while the existing 10-minute half-time will remain unchanged. The FIH also announced the implementation of a 40-second time-out when a penalty corner is awarded.
The FIH took this decision in its executive board meeting in Lausanne with an aim to improve the flow and intensity of the game. But more importantly, it would increase the game presentation and analysis.
The new regulations will come into force from September 1. While Hockey World Cup in The Hague (The Netherlands) from May 31 to June 15 will be played in the existing format, the changes will be applied to the upcoming Champions Trophy (December 13-24 In Bhubaneswar), World League Round 2, World League Semifinal and Final, all continental Olympic qualifying events as of September 1, 2014 as well as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
"The decision today demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement. With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from afar, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays," FIH president Leandro Negre said in the statement.
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