The ANZ Championship has today announced rule modifications for the 2010 season.
The third season of the ANZ Championship kicks off on 20 March, when the LG Northern Mystics meet the Adelaide Thunderbirds at The Trusts Stadium Arena in Auckland.
Before the main season commences, the NSW Swifts and Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel are hosting pre-season tournaments on either side of the Tasman:
19-21 February Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel Pre-season Tournament, Queenstown
5-7 March SOPA Cup, Sydney Olympic Park
As well as being the first opportunity to see the new-look ANZ Championship teams in action, the pre-season events will be used to trial three modifications to the competition rules:
- No whistle after a goal is scored
- Coaching allowed during stoppages (Team Officials only)
- Full countdown clock
In its first two seasons, the ANZ Championship has enjoyed significant growth in live and television audiences, in both Australia and New Zealand.
ANZ Championship General Manager, Anthony Everard said, "At the conclusion of our second full season of competition in 2009, we conducted a full review of match day operations, to ensure that we continue to deliver an entertaining, fast-paced competition which showcases the world's best players.
"Fundamentally, we know that that our product is very good. However, from time to time we will test and introduce new systems and processes aimed at fine-tuning the competition, and delivering a great spectacle for our live audiences, as well as those who watch the games on SKY Sport, TEN and ONE", said Everard.
- Check out the five New Zealand team squads & draws here.
- Visit the official ANZ Championship website for the full draw.
SLIDESHOW IMAGE: ANZ Championship umpire Liz Boon in action during the 2009 season. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)