The International Hockey Rules Board minute book. The book is held in the collection of The Hockey Museum on loan from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

In March 1973 at its third meeting held in London, the International Hockey Rules Board approved a new rule introducing up to two substitutes for all levels of hockey.

The two substitutes rule of 1973 was introduced following extensive trials under the direction of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). These trials showed conclusively that substitutes, in events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games, were being introduced for tactical reasons rather than for injured players. The rule change meant that substitutes could now be used globally in club hockey.

Prior to the introduction of substitutes, if someone got injured during a hockey match then their team carried on with only 10 players!

The rule change 50 years ago paved the way for the ‘rolling subs’ of today. The rule allowing five rolling substitutes (allowing for a matchday squad of 16 players) was introduced in 1992.

Read hockey journalist Pat Rowley’s article on the introduction of substitutes in World Hockey magazine (April-June issue, 1973) by clicking the PDF icon to the right.