Summer Hockey Rules 16/17
Page 1
TIME KEEPING
 Each game will consist of two 20 minute halves (40 minutes per game)
 Half time will be for a maximum period of one minute – this is just to change sides.
 All games will start and finish on the sound of the whistle. If teams are not ready for the
start of the game, they will incur a GOAL PENALTY OF 1 GOAL PER MINUTE.
 After 5 Minutes, if a team has not started then the game can be called off with the other
team securing a 5-0 win.
 If a match starts late it is still required to finish at the designated time, even if this means
a shortened game.
TEAMS
 A maximum of 7 players per team may be on the field at any one time.
 A maximum of 4 male players per team may be on the field at any time.
 Teams may field a fully kitted goalkeeper but not a kicking fullback.
 No premier players are to be playing in C Grade or fill in
PLAY
Normal hockey rules will apply, except for the following:
 Penalty corners shall be defended by 5 (five) players. The other two players must
retire to the opposition’s D. No defenders are to be on the side of the goal from
which the corner to be taken.
 All 16-yard hits will be taken from inside the circle, an attempt must be made to stop the
ball before the hit can be taken.
 No long corners are to be taken. Any ball deliberately played over the backline by a
defender will result in a PENALTY CORNER.
 Anyone intentionally using his or her feet or body to prevent a goal will concede a
PENALTY GOAL.
 Also, a player may be penalised if they remain on the goal line at all times during play to
prevent a player from scoring (instead of moving towards the player to make a tackle.
The penalty being a PENALTY CORNER.
 The ball may only be raised for a controlled low lift over an opponents stick, provided this
is not dangerous. Overheads are not permitted.
 A fully kitted goalkeeper may play ball with feet and body (without causing danger) and
remain on goal line during play instead of advancing on attacker to make a tackle.
 Subbing must be done from the teams own back line
Please note that if the ball goes over the WHITE LINE (not into the gutter), the ball is out,
and will be restarted on the line where the ball went out.
Summer Hockey Rules 16/17
Page 2
RULES CONTINUED
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Attacking Free Hits Entering the Circle. The ball must not enter the circle directly
from a free hit taken by the attacking team in the 23m area, i.e., it must be touched by
another player of either team before entering the circle. All players must be 5m from the
ball. The rule applies to free hits and to putting the ball back into play after it has been
outside the field (side-line hit ins and long corners).

Free Hits – “Auto or Self Pass”. A team may opt for an “auto-pass” play when taking
a free hit from a free hit, 16 yard hit, sideline hit-in, (long) corner, or hit-off from the
centre-line. All players of both teams, other than the person taking the hit, shall be 5m
from the ball. The ball should be stationary and the taker moves the ball before
continuing with it in their possession in open play (in effect a “self-pass”). This variation
applies anywhere on the pitch, but, for a free hit by the attacking team for an offence
which occurred within 5m of their opponent’s circle, the free hit must be taken from 5m
outside the circle line.
PC's -- 5 of the defending team need to be behind their own goal line (In goal or on side
of goal opposite to where ball to be injected from) and the remainder of the
defending team need to be in the opposition's "D".
If a PC is awarded in normal time just prior to ½ time, the PC must be played out before
½ time is blown.
If a PC is awarded in normal time just prior to full time being blown, the PC should ONLY
be played out if the game is a draw or would be a draw if a goal is scored from the PC,
ie: the attacking team is 1 goal down prior to the PC.
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RULES
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Green Cards – if you are given a green card you must IMMEDIATELY
SUBSTISTUTE yourself – another player may come on for you (providing that
player is not still under suspension/green card substitution)
You must not return to the field for a minimum of 3 minutes
As the opposing team is at the other end of the field, it is not possible for the
opposition to monitor times, time should therefore be self motivated. If the
umpire considers you have not been off the field for 3 minutes, a yellow maybe
issued.
If the player who was issued with a green card continues with disruptive
behaviour from off the field they may still be yellow carded and the player that
substituted for them (or another umpire nominated person) must leave the field
and the team continues with a reduced number of players.
Yellow card remains a minimum of 5 minutes suspension (at umpires discretion)
where your team must play with a reduced number of players.
DANGEROUS PLAY/UMPIRES DECISION
 The umpires decision is always final
 No player or players may be abusive to umpires, team members or the opposition,
continued use of language (deemed in the umpire’s opinion to be abusive) may result in
the removal of the player or the team captain.
 Anything likely to lead to dangerous play will be penalised.
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That a shot at goal will be at the UMPIRES DISCRETION as to whether or not it is
dangerous. (i.e., whether the ball is hit or pushed & amongst players etc)
The umpires do have the ability to remove players from the field for foul play. (Nonhockey playing ability is not an excuse)
Sticks are not to be raised or used in a dangerous manner, including lifting them over the
heads of other players.
Although we have not made it a rule that all players must wear a mouth guard and
shin guards, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!
NOTE that your assistance will be required with the setting up & removal of the
plastic tube across half way. Failure to assist if you are the first or last teams to
play may result in a 1 goal penalty for your game played that night.