The Sport

This comparison of rules is meant to be a quick reminder for parents with children participating at different levels. This overview of the rule differences is not meant to replace any rulebook. Please note: If a topic is not listed, it means that all levels are the same.

Artificial Turf: Artificial turf was first used for Olympic field hockey at the 1976 Games in Montreal. Today all international matches are played on a synthetic surface.

A field hockey match consists of two halves, usually 35 minutes each, and begins with a pass back (a non-defended pass from one teammate to another at mid-field). There are 11 players to a side, one of whom is a goalkeeper. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposition.

The playing field is 100 yards by 60 yards, divided by a center line and a 25-yard line of each half of the field. The striking circle is a semi-circle measured out 16 yards from each goal post.