In 1976, hockey players witnessed the slow death of the centre bully when five new experimental rules were issued by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), one of which was a novel way to start or restart a hockey match when, traditionally, a centre bully occurred. These rules were subsequently enforced by the Hockey Association (HA) for all men’s friendly matches played by clubs in England and all countries governed by the HA for the 1976/1977 season.

On 1 March 1976, it was decided that the new rules should be tested by national associations affiliated to the FIH for all non-competitive hockey matches. International matches were the exception. These ‘test rules’ were not included in the 1976 rule book as they were strictly on trial, nor were they immediately enforced in women’s clubs. The magazines of the time chronicle questions and confusion around whether the women’s clubs should follow suit and trial these new rules themselves or carry on as normal.

Despite being a trial period, it seems as though this was the definite beginning of the end for the centre bully as it never to returned to the game. A new rule was introduced which replaced the centre bully with a move called a ‘backward pass’ at the time, now known better as a ‘push back’. The change was met with mixed reactions from players and umpires who voiced their opinions on the matter in articles of magazines. Some were disappointed with the removal of a traditional and historic rule whereas others were pleased and welcomed the idea of faster paced matches.

The trialled rule was as follows:

“To replace the centre bully:
To start a game, restart it after half-time or after a goal has been scored, the team having possession of the ball shall have three of their players standing at the centre of the field on their side of the half-way line. After the umpire has blown his whistle to indicate that the game may start, the player with ball shall pass it to one of the other two players standing with him. In making this pass the ball must NOT cross the half-way line.”

In 1983, seven years after the trial rules were introduced, the centre bully was formally removed from the Rules of Hockey and replaced with the backward pass for both men and women.

Gallaher’s Cigarettes collectible card, 1912.