On this page you will find rules for all formats of the game played at NHHA as well as some useful resources for beginner to advanced umpires.Â
The perfect place to head if you are unsure on a rule or need to find a rule to help explain it to a player, coach or fellow umpire.Â
We know it takes a while to learn all the rules and we do not expect a new umpire to know all of them straight away. To the right of this page you will see the New to Senior Umpiring Guide or Useful Rules Guide which act as the go to place for the starting rules you need to know to get out on the pitch in an orange shirt and give it a go.
If you have any any questions about umpiring at NHHA please email umpiring@harbourhockey.org.nzÂ
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.Â
CLICK HERE to access the full rule book
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.Â
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.Â
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
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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.
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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.
NHHA New Umpire’s Guide To Umpiring Senior Club Hockey
This guide was created for all of our members who are new to umpiring each season. This guide will help you prepare for your first game and is a handy reminder of the unwritten essentials to umpiring hockey.
A step by step guide of getting through the start of the season & your first game.
CLICK HERE to read guide.
North Harbour Hockey have put together a simplified version of the 11 a-side rules to hockey for anyone that need to know how to umpire the basics.Â
This book entails the rules for:
CLICK HERE to view full guide
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If you are new to umpiring 11 A-side hockey and are unsure where to start, this resource is a helpful guide for understanding the fundamentals of umpiring
It includes:
​​For more information on umpiring your first game email umpiring@harbourhockey.org.nzÂ
CLICK HERE to read the HNZ Umpiring Guide