The 2003-2004 field hockey rule changes (as mandated by the FIH) are:
- Players who leave the field of play for injury treatment, refreshment, to change equipment or some other reason other than a substitution are permitted to re-enter only between the 23 metres areas.
- The fundamental characteristics of a bully have been retained but it has been simplified by requiring sticks to touch only once.
- The former Rule which specified that a ball must not be raised intentionally so that it lands directly in the circle has been deleted. Wherever it lands, any ball must not be dangerous.
- Players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact.
- The obstruction Rule has been simplified by referring in the Rule itself only to the fundamental principle that players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball. Explanatory notes will indicate that players obstruct if they back INTO an opponent, physically interfere with the stick or body of an opponent or shield the ball FROM a legitimate tackle with their stick or any part of their body.
- To improve control of player conduct and therefore protect the image of hockey, the intended duration of a temporary suspension may be extended for misconduct by a player while suspended.
The following rules will continue as experimental rules:
- A defender may use the stick to stop or deflect a shot at goal at any height
- The ball is not required to be stopped before a shot at goal at a penalty corner.
