Rules of Hockey

Rules of Hockey

The Rules of Hockey are codified by the international governing body of hockey, FIH.

You can access the rules of hockey on the FIH website: https://www.fih.hockey/about-fih/official-documents/rules-of-hockey

There are links on this page to the iPhone or Android mobile apps which are an excellent way to access the rules.

Rules Updates 2025

Face Masks

Following correspondence from FIH and an email from Hockey Australia, SEHA Board has determined that in our 2025 SEHA Womens and Junior Competitions (Outdoor) and 2025 SEHA Indoor competitions we strongly recommend the wearing of face masks by player defenders when defending Penalty Corners.

The wearing of face masks when defending penalty corners will be mandatory in SEHA 2026 competitions. The delay is to allow clubs and players the opportunity to purchase this protective equipment. Take the opportunity to equip yourself and your players as soon as possible.

Please Note: This ruling is for SEHA run competitions only.

If you are umpiring or playing across competitions, please make sure you are aware of the playing and umpiring conditions in each competition.

This ruling will lead to more defenders wearing face masks, so please be aware that time must be allowed for the player defenders to don the face masks at a Penalty Corner. Penalty Corners should still commence as quickly as possible, as the game clock does not stop in our competitions.

See link to the FIH correspondence here ->https://www.fih.hockey/news/penalty-corners-face-masks-mandatory-for-all-fih-events

Further questions? Please contact Debbie Dodd at development@seha.com.au

Rules of Hockey

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