The changes included goals a meter (three feet) wider than regulation, two 15-minute halves, reduced from 35 minutes per half; only nine players per side instead of 11, and more tolerance of foot and stick contact in order to reduce play stoppages.

Australia women's coach Adam Commens said he thought the experimental rules were exciting — "we need to embrace it ... I think that in the future we will see it become very popular, and that's what we need to promote our sport."