Field Hockey Rules
Field Hockey Rules
The realm of hockey is a globally embraced endeavor, attracting numerous nations such as India, Pakistan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Great Britain. Its zenith manifests in the Olympics, where it has held steadfast popularity since its reintroduction in 1928.
![]() |
FIELD HOCKEY |
Object of the Game
The fundamental objective in hockey involves propelling a ball with a stick into a designated goal. Each successful penetration into the goal warrants a point for the respective team. The team accumulating the highest number of goals by the game's conclusion emerges victorious. In the scenario of both teams achieving an identical goal tally, a draw is declared.
Players & Equipment
A team comprises 11 players, partitioned into a single goalkeeper and 10 outfield players encompassing defenders, midfielders, and attackers. The distribution of these positions varies based on the team's adopted formation. It is not exceedingly unusual for a team to forgo a goalkeeper towards the end of the game, especially when striving for a win or succumbing to a defeat.
The playing field spans 100 yards in length and 60 yards in width. Three demarcation lines traverse the pitch—two 25-yard lines and a midpoint line, delineating distinct sections. Each end of the pitch houses a goal, spanning 4 yards in width. Adjacent to the goal is a 16-yard line, the sole area on the pitch from which players are sanctioned to attempt shots. Scoring outside this designated zone results in the negation of the goal.
In the game of hockey, a rigid ball is employed, and each player wields a wooden stick. Usage of the stick's flat surface is permissible, and any attempt to use the reverse side incurs a foul. The stick's orientation can be altered during play to strike the ball in either direction. To mitigate potential harm, players don shin pads and gum shields. Goalkeepers, subjected to more frequent ball onslaughts, don an extensive array of protective gear, including a face mask, helmet, padded gloves, chest pad, and leg guards. Some players opt for additional protection with eye and face masks.
Scoring
Goal attainment transpires when a player propels the ball between the goal posts and over the line from within the 16-yard domain. Striking the ball with anything other than the stick results in an infringement. Penalty corners provide an alternate avenue for scoring, granted when a foul is committed within the 16-yard area. During a penalty corner, the defending team aligns along their goal line, while the attacking team situates outside the 16-yard zone. A player from the attacking side hits the ball to their teammates from 10 yards on either side of the goal line. Subsequent to the initial play, a teammate halts the ball, facilitating another player's attempt at goal.
Winning the Game
The game's outcome hinges on the team amassing the highest goal count at the match's termination. Each encounter unfolds over two 35-minute halves, interspersed with a 5-minute intermission. If parity persists at the conclusion of the 70-minute playtime, the game concludes in a draw.
Rules of Field Hockey
1. Each team constitutes 11 players and 6 substitutes.
2. Players wield a hockey stick, utilizing only one side for ball contact.
3. A goal materializes when the ball is adeptly navigated into the opponent's goal from within the 16-yard expanse.
4. The stick is the exclusive instrument for passing or dribbling; intentional bodily contact with the ball is prohibited.
5. A foul or infringement transpires when a player:
★ Deliberately aims to strike the ball at another player with the intent of causing harm.
★ Intentionally deploys a body part to influence the ball's movement or cessation.
★ Strikes the ball with the rounded side of their hockey stick.
★ Elevates their stick beyond waist height.
★ Strikes their opponent's stick to disrupt gameplay.
Conclusion
Field hockey, with its rich history and dynamic gameplay, captivates both players and spectators. As sticks meet goals, and teams navigate the pitch with finesse, the true beauty of this sport unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there overtime in field hockey?
- No, field hockey games that end in a draw remain as such; there is no overtime.
2. Can a goalkeeper score a goal in field hockey?
- Yes, a goalkeeper can score by actively participating in the game, but it's a rare occurrence.
3. Are there time-outs in field hockey?
- No, field hockey typically doesn't have time-outs, maintaining a continuous flow of play.
4. What happens if a player receives a red card?
- A player shown a red card is ejected from the game, and the team plays with one fewer player for a specified time.
5. Can a penalty corner be defended without goalkeepers?
- Yes, a team can defend a penalty corner without a goalkeeper, but it adds an extra layer of challenge.