The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has launched a face protector certification after mandating the use of protective face masks for all players defending penalty corners in its sanctioned events.
The ruling, introduced at the start of 2025, comes amid growing concern over head injuries at both elite and grassroots levels.
Previously only goalkeepers were required to wear protective gear. However, defenders have increasingly been exposed to serious head injury risks.
The decision follows the FIH’s 2022 Future of Penalty Corner consultation, which received over 4,000 responses from players, coaches and officials globally. It has now been written into FIH tournament regulations.
The FIH is also encouraging national associations and continental federations to adopt the same policy at domestic levels.
This comes as The Hockey Paper continues to highlight the lack of uniform safety measures in lower-tier competitions, where players often lack access to high-quality equipment or adequate medical cover.
While elite-level players are often well-equipped, grassroots athletes have not always had the same level of protection, raising calls across the hockey community for more consistent safety standards.
Adding to its safety overhaul, FIH has launched a new certification programme within its FIH Quality Programme.
Based on research by the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University, this initiative ensures that certified face masks meet rigorous impact protection standards.
FIH recommended masks must now also be produced under strict quality control procedures, minimising the risk of defective or substandard products reaching players.
“Knowing their headgear meets FIH safety standards gives athletes peace of mind,” the FIH said. “They can focus on performance, not worry about equipment failure.”
