Summer Hockey

Rules

In summer hockey the emphasis is on enjoyment, maintaining fitness and improving field skills.

Whilst the games are meant to be competitive, it should be remembered that novice players need some encouragement and leeway and that the “win at all costs” philosophy is not always appropriate.

The normal rules of field hockey shall apply except to the extent that they are negated or modified by these rules. The team organiser on behalf of ALL team members agrees to abide by the playing conditions and rules of this competition.

Safety is paramount. The umpire is responsible for maintaining a high level of safety throughout the game.  The umpire’s decision is final.

No lifting - there are no lifted balls unless it is a controlled jinx over a stick. Any ball above knee height will be penalised regardless of any danger or advantage. Shots at goal must not be lifted higher than the backboard: i.e. a goal cannot be awarded if the ball is lifted into the net, unless it is deflected from a defender’s (not an attacker’s) stick.

Pushing ONLY in Family Friendly competition - the stick must be behind the ball and the player should use a push through action. No scoops, flicks, drag flicks, sweeps, reverse sweeps or slap hits are allowed.

All players must wear mouth guards and shin pads.

The game shall be played on a half field from normal sideline to sideline.

Tubing - any ball touching the tubing dividing the field is considered out. Play will restart with a free hit 1m in from where the ball hit the tubing.

Circle entries - once past the halfway line, standard attacking quarter rules will apply (in particular the ball must travel 5 metres before entering the attacking circle).

No goalkeepers - and no kicking full backs.

No penalty strokes - a goal will be awarded in the event that a penalty stroke is given – e.g. if a ball hits a player’s foot on the goal-line.  

No penalty corners - instead a free hit will be awarded to the attacking team 5m from the circle and must travel 5m before entering the circle. Four defenders will remain in the circle – the remaining two must be in the opposition circle.

Long corners - normal rules apply. Long corners will be taken in line where the ball went out 5m back from the top of the circle.

Sixteen hits - normal rules apply, taken from the top of the circle in line with where the ball went out.

Substitutions during games must be done from your own defensive backline. 

Team composition

Each team shall consist of six players. Teams may start the game with a minimum of four players but if after 5 minutes there are not six players on the field, the game will be forfeited. The teams may continue to play.

In a programme like this, it is always possible that there are teams that are much stronger than their opposition. In such instances and in order to even up the game, in the event that one team scores four goals more than the opposing team prior to half time, then the losing team may add an extra player.

Each team may use any number of interchange players.

Competition points

Results will be recorded for grading purposes.

Winning team 3 points
In the event of a draw 1 point (to each team)

Umpires Decision shall be final

Abuse and harassment of umpires will not be tolerated. Disputing of umpire’s calls will result in a penalty corner to the non-offending team. If players continue to abuse umpires the umpire can deduct points from the offending team score. Persistent offenders will be ordered off and will be automatically suspended for one game. The team from which such player is ordered off shall play the remainder of the game with one fewer player.