High School Field Hockey Rules For Girls and Boys

Girls' field hockey is a popular sport played in both high schools and colleges. It is a game that promotes teamwork, agility, and precision.

The game is governed by specific rules to ensure fair play and safety. Some of the key FIH hockey rules are:

• Teams consist of 11 players, including 6 substitutes.
• Players can only use one side of their hockey stick to hit the ball.
• A goal is scored when the ball is hit into the opponent’s goal from within the 16-yard area.
• Players cannot run with the ball in hand or push it ahead of them.
• If the ball goes over the sidelines, the opposite team restarts the game.
• The total duration of a match is 60 minutes, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each.
• Proper equipment like a hockey stick, shoes, guards, and a ball are required.

Differences from men's field hockey and ice hockey

High school field hockey games are usually 60 minutes long. The match is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each.

These games are played by teams of 11 players, each bringing their unique skills to the field. The game is fast-paced and requires excellent hand-eye coordination as players can only use one side of the stick to hit the ball.

This structure allows for strategic planning during breaks and keeps the game engaging. It not only fosters physical fitness but also encourages strategic thinking, cooperation, and sportsmanship among the players.

Furthermore, proper equipment like a hockey stick, shoes, guards, and a ball are required for safety and to maintain the spirit of the game.

Field Hockey overtime rules come into play when a game is tied at the end of regular time. They are set by the International Hockey Federation.

The aim is to break the tie and determine a winner, ensuring a decisive outcome for each game. It adds an extra level of intensity to the match.

Some of the key overtime rules:

• Games tied at the end of regulation time in NCAA will have up to two 10-minute “sudden victory” periods to determine the winner.
• If the score is tied after regulation time has expired in the high school federation play, an overtime period of two, 10-minute halves is played with each team reducing the number of players to 7 per side.
• If the score remains tied after overtime, penalty strokes will be used to determine the winner.
• Prior to the overtime, there shall be a 5-minute intermission.
• The home team captain calls the coin toss and the winner chooses the choice of goal or possession of the ball.
• Teams will be limited to 6 field players and a goalkeeper.
• If a player/coach was disqualified (red card) during the regulation game, that team must play short throughout the overtime.