Under the current FIH outdoor rules, a field hockey match has four 15-minute quarters. A goal counts only when an attacker plays the ball inside the circle and it crosses the goal-line without leaving the circle first. Free hits, penalty corners and penalty strokes are distinct restarts, while green, yellow and red cards carry different suspensions.
This guide covers outdoor 11-a-side hockey under the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rules of Hockey effective March 1, 2026. National associations may choose when to implement rule changes, and tournament regulations can add competition-specific procedures. Indoor hockey has a separate rulebook, so these outdoor rules should not automatically be applied to indoor matches.
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How long is a field hockey match?
Under the FIH outdoor rules, a match consists of four 15-minute quarters. There are two-minute intervals after the first and third quarters, and a 10-minute half-time interval. These are prescribed playing periods, not estimates of total time at the venue. See the FIH Rules of Hockey.
Play can continue at the end of a quarter to complete a penalty corner, a subsequent penalty corner or a penalty stroke. In FIH outdoor tournament play, an initial penalty corner ordinarily has a 40-second time stop to let defenders put on protective equipment. Re-awards and corners following video referrals have different restart handling; tournament umpires are directed to restart at the earliest possible opportunity. These details come from tournament regulations and should not be assumed to apply identically in every domestic competition. FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, May 2026.
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How do you score in field hockey?
A goal is scored when an attacker plays the ball inside the circle and the ball does not leave the circle before crossing completely over the goal-line and under the cross-bar. A defender may touch or play the ball before or after the attacker’s play inside the circle; the key requirements are the attacker’s play in the circle and the ball remaining in it as it crosses the line. FIH Rules of Hockey.
What are the main penalties and restarts?
The appropriate decision depends on the offence and where it occurs. A free hit is a common restart; more serious or particular offences can result in a penalty corner or penalty stroke. They are not interchangeable.
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Free hit
A free hit is awarded for many offences. For an attacking free hit inside the 23-metre area, the ball generally cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least five metres or has been touched by a defender. A special proximity rule applies when an attacking free hit is within five metres of the circle. FIH Rules of Hockey.
Penalty corner
A penalty corner is a set play taken from the back-line inside the circle, at least 10 metres from the goal-post. At the initial injection, the other attackers must be outside the circle and at least five metres from the ball. Up to five defenders, including the goalkeeper, start behind the back-line. If the quarter ends during the corner sequence, play may be extended until it is completed.
For international FIH events, all field players defending a penalty corner must wear a face mask until the first shot at goal. That requirement is specified in the May 2026 FIH outdoor tournament regulations; check the applicable competition rules before treating it as universal in a domestic league. FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, May 2026.
Penalty stroke
A penalty stroke is taken from the penalty spot after play is stopped. The shooter plays the ball once, by push, flick or scoop. The defending player must remain on the goal-line until the ball is played; all other players must remain outside the 23-metre area and must not influence the stroke. FIH Rules of Hockey.
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What do the cards mean in field hockey?
| Card | Meaning under FIH rules |
|---|---|
| Green | Temporary suspension for two minutes of playing time. |
| Yellow | Temporary suspension for at least five minutes of playing time. |
| Red | Permanent suspension for the rest of the current match. |
During a green- or yellow-card suspension, the offending team plays with one fewer player. A red-carded player is removed from the match. A card may also be issued alongside another penalty. The suspension periods are measured in playing time, so a stoppage does not necessarily count toward them. FIH Rules of Hockey.
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When can field hockey players be substituted?
Substitutions are generally unlimited and may be made at any time, except from the award of a penalty corner until it is completed. The exception is a substitution for an injured or suspended defending goalkeeper. A player serving a suspension cannot be substituted while the suspension lasts. FIH Rules of Hockey.
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Which rule set applies to a match?
For a disputed detail, identify the competition and its governing body before relying on a general explanation. The FIH publishes separate outdoor and indoor rules, and England Hockey likewise distinguishes its outdoor and indoor publications; outdoor procedures should not be carried over to indoor hockey without checking the relevant rules. National associations have discretion over when to implement FIH changes, and tournament regulations may specify additional procedures. FIH rules and documents · England Hockey rules · FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, May 2026.
The FIH rules page labels the March 2026 outdoor book as current and also lists a further revised edition expected from January 1, 2027, subject to consultation and approval. For current international outdoor rules, use the March 2026 edition and check the relevant national or competition rules for local implementation. FIH rules listing.
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