Specification of hockey field
Hockey is played on a 91.40 m × 55 m rectangular field. At each end there is a goal 2.14 m high 1.20 m deep and 3.66 m wide measured from the inner sides of the posts and crossbar, and the goal post is surrounded by an approximately semi-circular area 14.63 m from the goal bounded by a solid line. A spot 0.15m in diameter, called the penalty spot, is marked with its centre 6.40 m from the centre of each goal.
Equipment
Each player carries a stick, normally a little over 3 feet (90 centimeters) long, 2 inches wide and traditionally made of wood but now often made with fiberglass, Kevlar and carbon fiber composites, with a rounded handle flattening out on one side and with a hook at the bottom.
Rules
The rules set by the International Hockey Federation FIH are used worldwide.
General play
Prior to the start of the game, a coin is tossed and the winning captain can choose a starting end or start with the ball. The game time is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each 15-02-15-10-15-2-15. At the start of each quarter as well as after goals are scored, play is started with a pass from the centre of the field.
Field players may only play the ball with the flat side of the stick. Tackling is permitted as long as the tackler does not make contact with the attacker or his stick before playing the ball (contact after the tackle may also be penalised if the tackle was made from a position where contact was inevitable). Further, the player with the ball may not deliberately use his body or stick to shield the ball from a legitimate tackle.
When the ball passes over the sidelines, it is returned to play from sideline either by individual player by himself or with a push or hit, taken by a member of the team whose players were not the last to touch the ball before crossing the sideline. If it crosses the goal line after last touched by an attacker, a 15 mt hit or pass can be made by any player of the defending team. A 15 mt hit is also awarded for offenses committed by the attacking side within 15 mt of the end, of the pitch they are attacking.
Free hits
Free hits are awarded when offences are committed outside the scoring circles. The ball may be hit or pushed once in any direction by the team offended against. Opponents must move 5 mt away from the ball when a free hit is awarded, and for attacking free hits within 5 mt of the circle, all attackers other than the one taking the hit must also be 5 mt away.
Corner
A corner is awarded if the ball goes over the backline after last being touched by a defender. Corners are played by the attacking team and involve a free hit from the 22.90 meter line.
Penalty corner
The penalty corner is set play that is awarded against a defending team when any offence is committed in the defensive circle, and may be awarded when a deliberate offence is committed in the defending 23 m area, or when the defending team deliberately plays the ball over the back line.
Penalty stroke
A penalty stroke is awarded when defenders commit a deliberate foul in the circle which deprives an attacker of possession or the opportunity to play the ball. This penalty is being taken by a single attacker against the goalkeeper, and is taken from a spot 6.4 m from the penalty spot and directly in front of the goal. The goalkeeper must stand with heels on the goal line, and cannot move his feet until the ball is played.
On the umpire’s whistle, the striker may push or flick the ball at the goal, which the goalkeeper attempts to save. The player taking the penalty shot may not touch the ball twice. Hitting or dragging or tapping the ball is also forbidden. If the shot is saved, play is restarted with 15 mt hit to the defenders; if a goal is scored, play is restarted from the centre line. Time is stopped for the Penalty stroke.
Dangerous play
If the ball is raised off the ground in a manner that is, in the umpire’s opinion, dangerous, the ball is turned over to the other team and they receive a free hit from the point of contact.
Tie breaker (shootout)
In case of a draw match, penalty shootout is conducted. The winners will be decided by 5 penalty shootouts by each team and the team which scores highest number of goals is declared the winner. The shootout will start at 22.90 mt. line in front of the shooter and should be completed within 8 seconds after the umpire’s whistle. The goalkeeper will start defence from goal line.
