Rules and Resources

Updated rules effective of 2019 updated January 2021

The Federation of International Hockey (FIH) produce the rules of our game. For all matches where no modified rules are included these are the rules you should follow to umpire or officiate a match. 

CLICK HERE to access the full rule book

FIH releases Rules of Hockey 2017 – to be followed as of 01 Jan 2017

Based on recommendations made by the FIH Rules Committee, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the Rules of Hockey 2017.These will formally come into effect for International Hockey from 1st January 2017, with National Associations free to choose the date of their implementation. In summary, there have been no major changes to the Rules of Hockey 2015 and the subsequent adjustment to Rule 13.2, which came into force February 2016, has now been formally incorporated. The Rules of Hockey 2017 do contain a number of adjustments that feature in the already published Rules of Indoor Hockey 2017, as applicable to the outdoor game. The FIH believes that it is crucially important the both sets of rules are aligned as closely as possible and, in keeping with that philosophy, has included these adjustments in the Rules of Hockey 2017.A summary of the adjustments to the Rules of Hockey 2017 can be found below. 

• Rule 1.10      No equipment etc. to be placed inside the goals
• Rule 2.1        Clarification that decisions taken prior to correcting a team having more than the permitted number of players on the pitch cannot be changed if time and/or play has already been re-started
• Rule 2.2        Clarification that any change between goalkeeping options, even for Players with Goalkeeping Privileges, either on or off the pitch, must take place as a substitution
• Rule 4.2        Change of the description of ‘gloves’ to ‘hand protection’; specification of the size of hand protection which may be used, both for normal play and to defend Penalty Corners; addition of guidance regarding the use of knee pads when defending Penalty Corners
• Rule 4.3        Deletion of ‘single’ in colour of Goalkeeper shirt
• Rule 9.8        Adjustment to the guidance to ‘A ball is also considered dangerous’
• Rule 9.16      Addition into guidance that if a ball hits discarded Penalty Corner defence equipment then a Free Hit will result if outside the circle or a Penalty Corner if inside the circle
• Rule 13.2      The changes to Rule 13.2, which were posted to the FIH website on 16 February 2016 as an adjustment to the previous Rules, are now formally incorporated
• Rule 13.7d    Tidying up of two paragraphs of repeated guidance concerning the completion of Penalty Corners
• Rule 13.8e    Addition of ‘once the whistle has been blown to start the Penalty Stroke’ for no movement of the Goalkeeper’s feet at a Penalty Stroke
• Rule 13.10d  Adjustment of the guidance for the caution/carding procedure for a Goalkeeper moving early at a Penalty Stroke, bringing it into line with the Indoor Rule
• Addition of the new ‘Corner’ signal in the Umpiring Signals section

All changes or clarifications in the Rules of Hockey 2017 are indicated by a line in the left hand margin against the relevant text. To download the Rules of Hockey 2017, see previous option above. Given the minimal nature of the changes, it is not the intention to print Rules booklets for this edition of the Rules of Hockey. As usual, National Associations are free to reproduce or translate the booklet for distribution or re-sale. Reprints must replicate the appearance of the Rules and incorporate the following text: ‘Reprinted with permission of the International Hockey Federation’. The Rules of Hockey will be posted to the FIH website, into the National Association and Continental Federation Workrooms and e-mailed to FIH listed Umpires, Umpire Managers and Officials. FIH is also continuing to investigate alternative methods for the distribution of the Rules of Hockey 2017. 

Downlaod the FIH Rules of Hockey App

Ever find yourself discussing a tricky umpiring scenario?

This handy app is a good go to resource to answer the questions just when you need to! Download the app on your phone and have the rules of hockey right in front of you with a push of a button.

CLICK HERE to download

Responsibility and Liability

Participants in Hockey 5’s must be aware of the Hockey 5’s Rules and of other information in this publication. They are expected to perform according to the Rules unless explicitly agreed by FIH, a Continental Federation, a National Association or all persons participating in a match.

Emphasis is placed on safety. Everyone involved in the game must act with consideration for the safety of others. Relevant national legislation must be observed. Players must ensure that their equipment does not constitute a danger to themselves or to others by virtue of its quality, materials or design.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) does not accept responsibility for any defects or non-compliance of facilities and is not liable for any consequences resulting from their use. Any verification of facilities or equipment conducted before a match is limited to ensuring an overall appearance of compliance and sporting requirements.

Umpires exercise an important role controlling the game and ensuring fair play.

Implementation and Authority

The Hockey 5’s Rules apply to all Hockey 5’s players and officials. National Associations have discretion to decide the date of implementation at national level. The date of implementation for international competition is 1 July 2020.

The Rules are issued by the FIH Rules Committee under the authority of the International Hockey Federation.

Copyright is held by the International Hockey Federation.

Availability of the Rules
Information about the availability of the Rules and other information on the FIH website is included at the end of attached publication.

CLICK HERE to view full rules guide.

Updated December 2020

Responsibility and Liability
Participants in Indoor Hockey must be aware of the Rules of Indoor Hockey and of other information in this publication. They are expected to perform according to the Rules.

Emphasis is placed on safety. Everyone involved in the game must act with consideration for the safety of others. Relevant national legislation must be observed. Players must ensure that their equipment does not constitute a danger to themselves or to others by virtue of its quality, materials or design.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) does not accept responsibility for any defects or non-compliance of facilities and is not liable for any consequences resulting from their use. Any verification of facilities or equipment conducted before a match is limited to ensuring an overall appearance of compliance and sporting requirements.

Umpires exercise an important role controlling the game and ensuring fair play.

Implementation and Authority

The Rules of Indoor Hockey apply to all Indoor Hockey players and officials. National Associations have discretion to decide the date of implementation at national level provide that this be no later than 30 June 2020. The date of implementation for international competition is 1 October 2019.

The Rules of Indoor Hockey are issued by the FIH
Rules Committee under the authority of the International Hockey Federation. Copyright is held by the International Hockey Federation.

CLICK HERE for a full copy of the rules.