Field Hockey Rules

First, the basics The match is divided into two halves, each 35 minutes in length. Each half is begun with a pass from centerfield, as is the continuation of play after a goal. One team starts with possession in the first half, the other in the second half. Initial possession is determined with a coin toss. The goal of field hockey is simple, flick, hit or push the ball into the opposing team's goal. Field hockey is played on a pitch measuring 100 yards by 60 yards with field hockey goals (which are substantially larger than ice hockey goals) on both ends. The ball is hard, spherical, and usually plastic with indentations. Goals are usually strung with field hockey nets to make balls easier to retrieve. Players handle, pass, and shoot the ball with field hockey sticks. General rules Happily, keeping track of named positions and players is quite easy in field hockey. Those on the team enjoying possession of the ball are called "attackers" and those without, "defenders." Tackling is permitted between any two players, but interfering with attackers or their sticks prior to playing the ball will be penalized. Likewise, an attacker cannot forcefully push a defender out of the way.

Each team has 11 players on the field and five alternates that can be substituted on the fly.

Since players are required to use field hockey sticks to advance the ball, they must not attempt to play the ball with hands or feet. Concessions are made if a player inadvertently touches the ball with a foot. However, the umpire will issue a penalty if it is deemed the player benefited from the infraction.

Handling penalties

Field hockey utilizes a three tiered penalty card system for warnings and suspensions. A green card is a simple warning, yellow is a temporary suspension for at least five minutes, and the red card is permanent ejection from the game. A player who receives a red card must leave the pitch and general area and will usually be suspended from play for a number of matches. A player may receive more than one of a yellow or green card, but not for the same offense.

Scoring and tie breaking

A field hockey goal is counted as one point and games are generally low scoring, with about 5 total goals per contest. In the event of a tie, the result will stand if it is regular club competition or a pooled tournament. If a winner is necessary, there will be an additional 7.5 minutes of sudden death play. If no team scores, a shootout is held in the same manner as in soccer.