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Field Hockey, The Rules

Penalty Corner

In a penalty corner, the ball is placed on the goal line at least 10 yards from the nearest goal post. One attacking player hits the ball to a teammate just outside the striking circle line. No shot on goal may be taken until the ball is stopped or come to rest on the ground outside the circle. All attackers must be outside the circle before the hit is taken. On defense, a maximum of five defenders may be behind the goal line while the remaining defenders must be positioned beyond the centerline.

Typically, the attacking player taking the free hit passes the ball to her teammates positioned outside the striking circle. An offensive player will stop the ball with the stick while another player will strike the ball at the goal.

A penalty corner is awarded for the following offenses:

  • Any breach of the rule by a defender within the circle that would have resulted in a free hit to the attacking team if the breach had occurred outside the circle;

  • Any intentional breach of the rule by the defenders outside the circle but within the 25-yard line;

  • An intentional hit over the goal line by a defender from any part of the field. A penalty stroke is one-on-one, offensive player seven yards in front of the goal vs. goalkeeper on the goal line, with all other players beyond the 25-yard line.

  • A penalty stroke is awarded for any intentional breach by the defenders in the circle or for an unintentional breach by the defenders that prevents a sure goal.

Penalty Stroke

A penalty stroke is a one-on-one confrontation between an offensive player seven yards in front of the goal vs. a goalkeeper on the goal line. All other players must stand behind the 25-yard line. The goalkeeper must stand with both feet on the goal line and may not move either foot until the ball has been played. The offensive player may push, flick or scoop the ball from the penalty spot. A penalty stroke is awarded for any intentional breach by the defenders in the circle or for an unintentional breach by the defenders that prevents a sure goal.

16-Yard Hits

When the attacking team plays the ball over the backline, the defense receives a 16-yard hit. The free hit is taken 16 yards from the spot where the ball crossed the backline.

The Push-In/Hit-In

A push-in or hit-in is awarded to the opposition if a player hits the ball wholly over the sideline. All other players and their sticks must be at least 5 yards away from the spot where the ball is put into play.

Offenses & Misconduct

For rough or dangerous play, misconduct or any intentional offense, the umpire may

  • Caution the offending player

  • Warn the offending player with a green card

  • Temporarily suspend the offending player for a minimum of 5 minutes with a yellow card

  • Permanently suspend the offending player with a red card