There is a new free umpires' info paper called 'PLAY ON' from Jane Nockolds at Milton Keynes.  

It is to be issued quarterly free by e-mail (or £2 by post).

To get onto the mailing list, email jane.nockolds@englishhockey.org

Title your email “Application to join the PLAY ON! Directory”

The 2009 Umpires Guidance notes - including info on “self-pass” rule.

2009 Umpires Guidance

Due to the new “self pass” rule being introduced this coming season, there seems to be some confusion (rightly so) understanding this rule. There is one rule but two interpretations depending if you’re inside or outside the 23m area. The basic break down of this rule outside the 23m is: If the player taking the free hit is the next player to play the ball (self pass), the actions of taking the free hit and playing the ball next must be two separate actions. The ball does not have to move 1 metre before the player taking the self pass may play the ball again. (e.g., tap and dribble). The ball must be stationary and within playing distance from where the offence occurred. However before another player of the team which took the self pass is allowed to play the ball, the ball must move at least 1 metre.Any defender who is within 5m, where the free hit is conceded mustn’t interfere with play. There is no restriction of the attacking team playing the ball directing into the circle from outside the 23m or that all attacking players must be 5m away from free hits or side lines.The basic break down of this rule inside the 23m is:  All players must be at least 5m away from any attacking free hit, side line or long corner. The ball must travel at least 5m before it can be played into the circle. Hitting the ball towards the “D” 6m away doesn’t count. Attacking player must dribble or pass the ball covering the distance of 5m before playing ball into circle. If the ball has been touched by another player of either team before the ball has travelled 5m it can be played into the circle. .This again counts for all free hits, side line or long corners. The ball must be stationary and be more precise from where the offence occurred before being taken. Any free hit awarded within 5 metres of the circle to the attack is to be taken back at the nearest point 5 metres from the circle. There are no new rules regarding a fee hit awarded to the defence.    
There is a very good video uploaded on YouTube (link below). This should help your understanding of the rule better in visual form. http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dj63hYOlJBDE
If this link fails, type in “self pass” into YouTube browser!! Hope this helps,