The Game of Field Hockey

5 CONDUCT OF PLAY

Unless played with consideration for others, hockey can be a dangerous game. This Rule prohibits actions which affect the safety of all players.

Players shall not:

5.1.1 Use of stick and playing equipment

a. play the ball with the rounded side of the stick

If the ball hits the back of the stick unintentionally there is no offence.

b. take part in or interfere with the game unless they have their stick in their hand

c. play the ball above shoulder height with any part of the stick

d. lift their sticks over the heads of players

e. raise their sticks in a manner that is dangerous, intimidating or hampering to other players when approaching, attempting to play or playing the ball

f. play the ball wildly or in such a way as to be likely to lead to dangerous play

A rising ball is dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action by players.

g. hit, hook, hold, strike at or handle another player's stick or clothing

h. throw any object or piece of playing equipment on to the field, at the ball, at another player, or at an umpire.

5.1.2 Use of body, hands, feet

a. stop the ball with the hand or catch it

There is nothing to prevent players using their hands to protect themselves from dangerously raised balls.

b. intentionally stop, kick, propel, pick up, throw or carry the ball with any part of their bodies

It is not an offence if the ball hits the foot or body of a player unless that player: - has moved into the path of the ball, or - made no effort to avoid being hit, or - was positioned with the clear intention of stopping the ball. Players should not be penalised when the ball is played at them from a short distance.

c. use the foot or leg to support the stick in a tackle.

5.1.3 Raised ball

a. intentionally raise the ball from a hit except for a shot at goal

b. intentionally raise the ball over a long distance so that it lands directly in the circle

Not every ball entering the circle off the ground is forbidden. A ball which bounces into or lands in the circle must be judged solely on the intent or danger.

A ball lifted over a player's stick or body when on the ground, even in the circle, must be judged solely on danger.

c. approach within 5 yards of a player receiving a falling aerial ball until it has been played and is on the ground

d. raise the ball intentionally at another player.

5.1.4 Obstruction

a. obstruct an opponent from attempting to play the ball by:

- moving or interposing themselves or their sticks

- shielding the ball with their sticks or any part of their bodies

- physically interfering with the sticks or bodies of opponents.

5.1.5 Time-wasting

a. delay play by time-wasting.

5.2 Goalkeepers may, when the ball is inside their own circle:

a. use their stick, kickers or pads to propel the ball, or any part of their bodies including the hands to stop but not propel or lie on the ball, provided such action is not dangerous or likely to lead to dangerous play

A goalkeeper lying on the ball should be considered under the obstruction rule.

b. stop or deflect the ball with the stick above their shoulder unless dangerous or likely to lead to dangerous play

c. deflect the ball over the cross-bar or around the goal-posts with the face of the stick or off any part of the body.

5.3 If the ball:

a. strikes an umpire or any loose object on the field including any piece of playing equipment dropped unintentionally, the game shall continue.