On 27 January 2025, the FIH announced that effective immediately it would be mandatory for all players defending a penalty corner to wear a facemask at FIH events. Note that this is a regulation change for FIH tournaments not a Rule of Hockey change. The full announcement can be found here
Hockey Australia
Hockey Australia will adopt the same regulations change for all of its National Championships (U14, U16, U18, U21, Men’s & Women’s Masters, Country Championships, and Indoor Championships) and for all Hockey One League events.
Hockey Victoria
Hockey Victoria (HV) Board and Management note that it is already compulsory for all junior participants to wear a facemask when defending a short
corner.
Effective from the commencement the 2025 HV Winter Season (27 March, 2025) the wearing of facemasks by penalty corner defenders in ALL Victorian competitions and events is mandatory. This decision is in line with the HV commitment to participant safety.
Further information will be distributed by Hockey Victoria in relation to the application of rules and resources available to assist with this change.