Basic Field Hockey Rules
- You may only use the flat side of your stick.
- You must be properly attired – shin guards, mouth guards, no jewelry, etc.
- 10 field players plus a goalie play at one time.
- The field hockey game lasts for two 30 minute halves.
- Substitutions – the field player must exit the field at the 50, only then can the new player step ontothe field.
- The ball cannot go in the air, especially on free hits.This is judged by the discretion of the ref.The exception is a shot on goal, as long as there is not a player in the direct line of the ball and no one is in harm’s way.
- Self –start.When taking a hit into the circle, whether it is a free hit or long hit, you cannot directly hit into the circle.You must pass it first or carry the ball for 5 yards before hitting the ball into the circle.
For free hits anywhere else on the field, you may either:take a direct hit, pass to one of your players, or carry the ball for 3 yards before hitting it.
Any time a foul occurs in either team’s circle, a corner hit will be called.
Fouls
- The ball cannot hit your feet.
- You cannot raise your stick above your waste during regular play.If you are taking a free hit, it is up to the discretion of the ref.
- You cannot tackle (go for the ball) from behind.You must face your opponent head on (shoulder to shoulder) if you are fighting for the ball.
- No third party.It is one vs. one at all times.Once another player tries to go for the ball, a foul is called.
- Obstruction – when your back is turned to another player and you are between the ball and that player.
FAQs
What are the five main fouls in field hockey? ›
- The ball cannot hit your feet.
- You cannot raise your stick above your waste during regular play. ...
- You cannot tackle (go for the ball) from behind. ...
- No third party. ...
- Obstruction – when your back is turned to another player and you are between the ball and that player.
Field Hockey Basics
Using sticks that are flat on one side and curved on the other, two teams hit and dribble a solid plastic ball down the field and try to shoot past a goalkeeper into a goal cage. Goals can be scored when a shot is taken form within the striking circle; a semi circle extending 16 yards from the goal.
Players use the flat face of their sticks to hit and dribble the ball down the pitch and attempt to shoot it past a goalkeeper and into their opponent's goal cage. Only shots taken within the striking circle count. The ball cannot be kicked, held or carried by field players. There is no offside in field hockey.
What is the most common injury reported for field hockey? ›The lower limb is the most common area to be injured in field hockey, with ankle sprains representing the most common injury type, followed by knee injuries. The second most common area to be injured in field hockey is the upper limb, specifically the hand.
What is not allowed in hockey? ›Players are allowed to play the puck with their skates, but players cannot kick the puck into the goal. Another classic rule break applies to the hockey stick. End of the stick may never be held above the shoulders. Fouls also include tripping, cross-checking and hooking.
What are the only 3 ways you can score in field hockey? ›There are only three ways you can score in field hockey - by a field goal, a penalty corner or a penalty stroke. A field goal is scored when a shot is made inside the striking circle, in front of the opponent's goal.
Is it hard to score in field hockey? ›Field Hockey games are low in scoring, so the likelihood of each player scoring a goal is low. To help increase your chances of scoring more goals, use these four tips recommended by Nike Field Hockey Camp Directors. Athletes should always remain completely focused while competing in a game.
How do you explain field hockey to a child? ›The modern game of field hockey, whether for men or women, is played by two 11-member teams using sticks with a crook at the striking end. The object is to hit a ball into the opponent's goal. The playing field is 100 yards long and 60 yards wide, and the most common playing surface is grass.
Why do girls wear skirts in field hockey? ›Aside from sexualization, another answer behind the reason for skirts in school sports such as lacrosse and field hockey would be the tradition. For many generations, women were thought of as “masculine” if they played a sport, so they wore slim fitting clothes and skirts to obscure this “masculinity”.
What does a green card in field hockey mean? ›Field hockey
A green card indicates an official warning when a minor offence has occurred resulting in a 2 minute suspension. A second green card for the same player will result in a yellow card (5 minute suspension). In this case, the umpire will show a green card, followed by a yellow card.
What is a stroke in field hockey? ›
In field hockey, a penalty stroke, sometimes known as a penalty flick, is the most severe penalty given. It is predominantly awarded when a foul has prevented a certain goal from being scored or for a deliberate infringement by a defender in the penalty circle.
Can you play the ball on the floor in field hockey? ›Rule 9.12. Rule 9.12 looks like this: 9.12 Field players must not play the ball while lying on the pitch or with a knee, arm or hand on the pitch, other than the hand holding the stick.
Can you throw your stick in field hockey? ›(c) A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws any portion of his stick or any other object outside of the playing area. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed if done in protest of an official's decision or if thrown at or in the direction of a spectator.
Are there fouls in field hockey? ›A free hit is awarded to the opposing team when a foul occurs on the field and must be taken near the spot where the violation occurred. If the attacking team fouls in the shooting circle, the defending team will be awarded a free hit to be taken anywhere along the 16-yard line.
What are the 5 stick penalties in hockey? ›For the purpose of this rule, “stick infractions” are Rule 9.1 -- Butt-Ending, Rule 9.2 -- Cross-Checking, Rule 9.3 – Slashing, Rule 9.4 – Spearing, and Rule 9.5 -- High-sticking.
What does 5 fouls mean? ›Fouling out. A player who commits five personal fouls over the course of a 40-minute game, or six in a 48-minute game, fouls out and is disqualified for the remainder of the game.