Field hockey is a team sport played between two teams that use sticks to control, pass and shoot a ball with the aim of scoring more goals than the opposition. While the basic objective is straightforward, the game has detailed rules covering the playing field, players, equipment, match duration, scoring, fouls, substitutions and penalties.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the international governing body responsible for the official rules of outdoor 11-a-side hockey. The current Rules of Hockey 2026 came into effect internationally in March 2026.
This guide explains the key field hockey rules and regulations in simple terms, including field dimensions, number of players, match duration, substitutions, scoring, fouls, free hits, penalty corners, penalty strokes and cards.
What are the Basic Rules of Field Hockey?
The main objective of field hockey is to score more goals than the opposing team. Each team can have a maximum of 11 players on the field at one time.
Field players use their sticks to control and move the ball. They generally cannot intentionally play the ball with their feet, hands or other parts of their body. Accidental contact with the ball is not automatically an offence if the player does not gain an advantage and has not intentionally positioned themselves to stop the ball.
Players must also avoid actions such as dangerous play, obstruction, illegal tackling and physical interference with opponents. A goal can only be scored when the ball is played by an attacker from inside the shooting circle and subsequently crosses the goal-line under the cross-bar without leaving the circle before crossing the line.
Field Hockey Field Dimensions and Markings
The standard outdoor field hockey pitch is rectangular and measures:
- Length: 91.40 metres
- Width: 55.00 metres
- 23-metre lines: 22.90 metres from each back-line
- Penalty spot: 6.475 metres from the outer edge of the goal-line
- Goal width: 3.66 metres
- Goal height: 2.14 metres
The field has a centre-line, two 23-metre lines, shooting circles and back-lines. Field markings are 75 mm wide. The standard playing area of a hockey field is surrounded by run-off space for safety. The minimum total run-off is 3 metres at the ends and 2 metres at the sides. The recommended total is 5 metres at the ends and 3 metres at the sides.
The Shooting Circle
The shooting circle is the area surrounding each goal where attacking players must play the ball from for a goal to be scored.
A shot taken from outside the circle does not directly count as a goal. For a goal to be awarded, an attacker must play the ball from within the circle, and the ball must then completely cross the goal-line under the cross-bar without leaving the circle first.
Number of Players in Field Hockey
A maximum of 11 players from each team can be on the field at any one time. A team can include up to 16 persons, consisting of a maximum of 11 players on the field and up to five substitutes. Competition regulations can allow a squad of up to 18 players. Teams can play with:
- A goalkeeper wearing the required protective equipment and a shirt of a different colour from both teams; or
- 11 field players without a goalkeeper.
A team can change between these options through substitution, subject to the applicable substitution rules.
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Field Hockey Substitution Rules
Field hockey generally allows unlimited substitutions. There is no limit on how many times a player can be substituted or return to the field, provided the substitution follows the official procedure.
However, substitutions are restricted during a penalty corner. Once a penalty corner has been awarded, teams generally cannot make substitutions until that penalty corner has been completed. An exception applies when the defending goalkeeper is injured or suspended.
Field players entering or leaving the field for a substitution must do so within 3 metres of the centre-line on the designated side of the field.
Field Hockey Match Duration
A standard field hockey match consists of four quarters of 15 minutes each, giving a scheduled playing time of 60 minutes. The standard intervals are:
- 2 minutes between the first and second quarters
- 10 minutes at half-time
- 2 minutes between the third and fourth quarters
These timings are specified in the current rules, although competition regulations can provide for approved variations. The team that scores the most goals wins the match. If the score is level, the match can end in a draw unless the competition regulations require a shoot-out competition to determine a winner.
How is a Goal Scored in Field Hockey?
For a goal to count, the ball must:
- Be played by an attacker from inside the shooting circle.
- Not leave the circle before crossing the goal-line.
- Completely cross the goal-line.
- Pass under the cross-bar.
The ball can touch a defender or the defender’s body after being played by an attacker inside the circle and still result in a goal if all other requirements are met. A ball struck directly into the goal from outside the shooting circle does not count as a goal.
Field Hockey Fouls and Violations
The official rules cover a wide range of offences. Some of the most common field hockey fouls and violations include the following.
1. Playing the Ball With the Back of the Stick
A field player must not play the ball with the back of the stick. The stick is designed with a flat playing side that players use to control and hit the ball.
2. Dangerous Play
Players must not play the ball in a way that creates dangerous play. A ball is considered dangerous when it causes a legitimate evasive action by an opponent. For example, a raised ball directed towards another player can be penalised if it creates a dangerous situation.
A flick or scoop directed at an opponent within 5 metres is considered dangerous.
3. Playing the Ball With the Body
Field players must not intentionally stop, kick, propel, pick up, throw or carry the ball with their body. Accidental contact is not automatically penalised. An offence occurs when the player gains an advantage or intentionally positions themselves to stop the ball.
4. Obstruction
Players cannot obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball. Obstruction can include backing into an opponent, physically interfering with an opponent’s stick or body, or shielding the ball from a legitimate tackle with the stick or body.
5. Illegal Tackling
A player must not tackle an opponent unless they are in a position to play the ball without making body contact. A tackle that involves dangerous or reckless physical contact can result in a penalty and, depending on the circumstances, a personal penalty.
6. Intentionally Raising the Ball From a Hit
Players must not intentionally raise the ball from a hit except when taking a shot at goal. An unintentionally raised ball is not automatically an offence. However, it can be penalised if it creates dangerous play. Players can raise the ball using a flick or scoop provided that the action is not dangerous.
Free Hit Rules in Field Hockey
A free hit is one of the most common ways to restart play following an offence. The ball must be stationary when the free hit is taken, and opponents generally must be at least 5 metres away from the ball.
When an attacking free hit is awarded inside the 23-metre area, the ball generally cannot be played directly into the shooting circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or has been touched by a defending player.
Special provisions apply when an attacking free hit is awarded within 5 metres of the circle. A defending free hit awarded within 15 metres of the back-line is taken up to 15 metres from the back-line, in line with the location of the offence. A defending free hit awarded inside the circle may be taken anywhere within the circle.
Penalty Corner Rules in Field Hockey
A penalty corner is awarded for certain defensive offences. These can include specific offences committed inside the shooting circle and intentional defensive offences within the defending 23-metre area.
A penalty corner can also be awarded when a defender intentionally plays the ball over the back-line, subject to the conditions specified in the rules. During a penalty corner:
- The ball is placed on the back-line inside the circle.
- The ball must be at least 10 metres from the goal-post on the side selected by the attacking team.
- The injector must have at least one foot outside the field when playing the ball.
- No more than five defenders, including the goalkeeper, may initially position themselves behind the back-line.
- Other defenders must remain beyond the centre-line until the ball is played.
A goal cannot be scored from a penalty corner until the ball has travelled outside the circle. When the first shot is a hit, additional height requirements apply. The ball must cross the goal-line, or be on a path that would have resulted in it crossing the goal-line, at no more than 460 mm, the height of the backboard, before any deflection.
Penalty Stroke Rules in Field Hockey
A penalty stroke is awarded when a defender commits an offence inside the circle that prevents a probable goal. It can also be awarded for certain intentional offences against an opponent who has possession of the ball or an opportunity to play it.
The ball is placed on the penalty spot, which is 6.475 metres from the outer edge of the goal-line. The player taking the stroke must stand behind and within playing distance of the ball. The defending player must remain with both feet on the goal-line until the ball is played.
The stroke can be taken as a push, flick or scoop. The player is allowed to raise the ball to any height but can play it only once. A dragging action is not permitted.
Field Hockey Cards and Penalties
Three cards are used for personal penalties in field hockey. A player receiving a green or yellow card is temporarily suspended, and their team plays with one fewer player during the suspension. A player receiving a red card is permanently suspended from the match, and the team continues with one fewer player for the remainder of the match. The length of a yellow-card suspension can be longer depending on the circumstances and the umpire’s decision.
| Card | Suspension |
| Green | 2 minutes |
| Yellow | Minimum 5 minutes |
| Red | Permanent suspension from the match |
Field Hockey Equipment Rules
The official regulations also specify requirements for equipment used during a match.
Hockey Stick
A hockey stick must meet the required specifications for shape, dimensions and weight. Its maximum permitted weight is 737 grams, while its maximum permitted length is 105 cm.
The maximum permitted bow or rake is 25 mm, subject to the detailed measurement requirements in the official rules.
Hockey Ball
The hockey ball must be spherical and meet the following specifications:
- Circumference: 224–235 mm
- Weight: 156–163 grams
- Colour: White or another agreed colour that contrasts with the playing surface
The ball must be hard and have a smooth surface, although indentations are permitted.
Hockey Goal Dimensions
The hockey goal has:
- Width: 3.66 metres
- Height: 2.14 metres
The width is measured between the inner edges of the goal-posts, while the height is measured from the ground to the lower edge of the cross-bar.
Role of Umpires in Field Hockey
A field hockey match is controlled by two umpires. Each umpire has primary responsibility for decisions in one half of the field. Umpires are responsible for applying the rules and making decisions about offences, free hits, penalty corners, penalty strokes and goals within their areas of responsibility.
They can also apply the advantage rule. This allows play to continue when stopping the game for an offence would disadvantage the team that was fouled. The purpose of the advantage rule is to allow the non-offending team to benefit when continuing play provides a better opportunity than stopping the game and awarding a penalty.
What Changed in the 2026 Field Hockey Rules?
The current 2026 rules introduced a number of clarifications and limited changes to the game. The changes were designed largely to clarify existing provisions and improve consistency in how the rules are applied.
Some notable changes include:
- The half-time interval is 10 minutes.
- Time and play stop after a goal is awarded.
- The rules clarify the procedure for aerial balls and the approach of opponents.
- There are clarifications concerning when goalkeepers can use their bodies to play the ball inside their defending circle.
- The rules address situations where an accidental deflection from an umpire gives one team an advantage.
- The maximum permitted length of a goalkeeper’s left-hand protector has increased from 355 mm to 365 mm.
The 2026 edition is effective internationally from 1 March 2026. National associations can determine their own implementation dates for domestic competitions, so local competition regulations should also be checked where applicable.
Conclusion
Understanding the field hockey rules and regulations makes the game easier to follow and helps players compete safely and fairly. The rules cover everything from the 91.40 m × 55.00 m playing field and 11-player teams to match duration, substitutions, scoring, fouls, free hits, penalty corners, penalty strokes and disciplinary cards.
The current 2026 official rules from FIH provide the standard framework for outdoor 11-a-side hockey, with the latest edition effective internationally as of March 2026. However, individual tournaments and national competitions can have specific regulations or approved variations, so players and coaches should check the rules applicable to their particular competition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A maximum of 11 players from each team can be on the field at one time. A standard team can consist of up to 16 persons, including substitutes, although competition regulations may allow up to 18 players.
A standard match consists of four 15-minute quarters, giving 60 minutes of scheduled playing time. There are 2-minute intervals between the first and second quarters and the third and fourth quarters, with a 10-minute half-time interval.
A penalty corner is a set-piece awarded for specific defensive offences. The attacking team gets an opportunity to create a scoring chance from a designated position on the back line, while the defending team must follow specific positioning requirements.
Opponents generally must be at least 5 metres from the ball when a free hit is taken. Additional rules apply to attacking free hits inside the 23-metre area.
A green card results in a 2-minute suspension, a yellow card results in a minimum 5-minute suspension, and a red card means permanent suspension from the match.
The standard outdoor field measures 91.40 metres long and 55.00 metres wide. The 23-metre lines are 22.90 metres from each back line, while the goal measures 3.66 metres wide and 2.14 metres high.
