The rules of field hockey include 11 players per team, four 15-minute quarters, a field measuring 91.4m x 55m, a prohibition on touching the ball with feet, a card system (green, yellow, red), and no offside rules.
The 10 most important rules of field hockey
1. Team composition
Each team consists of 11 players : one goalkeeper and ten field players. The total roster can include up to 16 professional players, allowing for unlimited substitutions during the match, according to field hockey rules.
2. Duration of the match
The match is divided into four 15-minute quarters . There are 2-minute breaks between quarters, while halftime lasts 10 minutes. The referee may add time depending on the interruptions in the match.
3. Playing field
The rules of field hockey establish official dimensions of 91.4 meters long by 55 meters wide . The goal area measures 14.63 meters long by 3.66 meters wide, while the shooting circle is a semicircle with a 14.63-meter radius.
4. Ball handling
The field hockey rules have specific rules for ball handling. It may only be hit with the flat part of the stick; it is prohibited to use the feet to control the ball; and the stick may not be raised above the shoulder.
5. Card system
The basic rules of field hockey include a system of colored cards:
- Green card : warning that involves 2 minutes off the field
- Yellow card : temporary suspension of 5 to 10 minutes
- Red card : definitive expulsion from the match
6. There is no offside
A unique feature of the rules is that there is no such thing as offside . Players can position themselves anywhere on the field at any time, allowing for highly dynamic strategies.
7. Penalty corner
A penalty corner is awarded when a defense commits a foul inside the penalty area or when the ball goes out of bounds after touching a defender. This play involves five attackers against four defenders plus the goalkeeper.
8. Mandatory equipment
Outfield players need a stick no longer than 105 centimeters long, a mouthguard, shin guards, and appropriate footwear. Goalkeepers require full equipment: a helmet with face protection, a chest protector, body protection, special gloves, and leg and foot guards.
9. Penalty stroke
A penalty stroke is a direct shot from 6.4 meters awarded for serious fouls inside the penalty area according to the rules of field hockey . It is the maximum penalty in the sport.
10. Most common faults
The most common fouls in field hockey include:
- High stick (raise the stick above the shoulder)
- Obstruction (preventing the opponent from accessing the ball)
- Dangerous game
- Entrances from behind
What is Field Hockey?
Field hockey is a team sport played on natural or artificial turf. Two teams of 11 players compete to score goals by using a curved stick to move a small, hard ball.
Unlike ice hockey, the rules of field hockey state that it is played outdoors and athletes cannot touch the ball with their feet, only with the stick.
Field hockey positions
Positions are strategically distributed on the field. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his body inside his own penalty area. Competitors are typically organized into:
- Defenses : 2-4 players
- Midfielders : 2-4 players
- Forwards : 2-4 players
The most commonly used formations are 4-3-3 and 3-4-3, although teams adapt their layout according to tactical needs.
Differences with Ice Hockey
| Aspect | Field Hockey | Ice Hockey |
| Playing surface | Natural or artificial grass | Ice rink |
| Field dimensions | 91.4m × 55m |
60m × 26-30m |
| Players per team | 11 players | 6 players |
| Duration of the match | 4 quarters of 15 min | 3 periods of 20 min |
| Game object | Hard plastic ball | Rubber puck |
| Main equipment | Curved stick, mouthguard | Straight stick, helmet required |
| Offside | It does not exist | Yes it exists |
| Substitutions |
Unlimited during |
Limited, during stops |
| Physical contact | Limited, no charges | Permitted, with controlled loads |
Similarities between both sports
Both sports share fundamental characteristics: the objective of scoring more goals than the opposing team, the specialized use of the stick, the need for teamwork and coordination, the dynamic and fast pace of the match, tactical planning, the high demand for physical endurance, and the presence of a specialized goalkeeper with special rules.
Conclusion
Becoming familiar with the 10 rules of field hockey is essential for any fan. Mastering the rules not only improves the spectator experience, but is also essential for anyone who wants to play this sport, which is gaining ground in our country.