Using the stick
Only the flat left-hand face of the stick may play the ball. Using the rounded back, or raising the stick dangerously above shoulder height near an opponent, is an offence.
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FIELD · FIH · Hockey India
Field Hockey
Field hockey is played on artificial turf by two teams of eleven using hooked sticks and a hard ball. Only the flat face of the stick may be used, and goals count only from inside the shooting circle. Modern matches run as four quarters with the clock stopped for every penalty corner and goal.
group
PLAYERS
11 a side including a goalkeeper, rolling substitutions
schedule
DURATION
4 × 15 min quarters
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Water-based or sand-dressed artificial turf, 91.4 m × 55 m
scoreboard
SCORING
1 point per goal, scored only from inside the D
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
The shooting circle
A goal counts only if an attacker touches the ball inside the D — the quarter-circle 14.63 m from goal — and it then crosses the line. A shot struck from outside and untouched inside does not stand.
No body contact with the ball
Outfield players may not stop, deflect or play the ball with any part of the body. Only the goalkeeper, inside their own circle, may use hands, feet and body to keep the ball out.
Obstruction
A player in possession may not shield the ball from an opponent with body or stick to prevent a legitimate tackle. Hockey has no offside, so obstruction is the main rule governing positioning.
Free hits
Free hits are taken where the offence occurred; opponents must retreat 5 m. From a free hit in the attacking quarter the ball must travel 5 m or be touched by another player before entering the circle.
Penalty corner
Awarded for a defensive offence inside the circle or a deliberate offence within the 23 m area. The ball is injected from the backline 10 m from the post, must be stopped outside the circle, and at most five defenders may start behind the goal line.
Penalty stroke
Given when a defender prevents a probable goal illegally. One attacker takes a push, flick or scoop from 6.4 m against the goalkeeper alone, with the clock stopped.
Aerial and raised balls
A ball may be lifted deliberately only if it is not dangerous. A raised hit into the circle is prohibited, and players must give 5 m to an opponent receiving a falling aerial ball.
Substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited and may be made at any time except during a penalty corner, when only the defending goalkeeper may be replaced, and after a penalty stroke has been awarded.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorPlaying the ball with the back of the stick or above shoulder height dangerously.
- errorFoot, hand or body contact with the ball by an outfield player.
- errorObstruction — shielding the ball or interposing the body or stick.
- errorThird-party obstruction, backing into an opponent, and dangerous play.
- errorGreen card (2 min suspension), yellow card (5 min or more) and red card (permanent removal).
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsTwo field umpires — each responsible for one half and one circle.
- sportsVideo umpire — reviews goal and circle decisions on referral.
- sportsTechnical officer — manages the bench, cards and suspension timing.
- sportsTimekeeper and scorer — run the stopped clock and record the match.
GOVERNED BY FIH · HOCKEY INDIA
Play Field Hockey On A Real Arena
Book a floodlit, pro-standard venue and put the rulebook to work.
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