Game of Field Hockey

What Are the Dimensions and Playing Surface of a Field Hockey Field?

Field hockey is played on a field measuring 100 yards long and 60 yards wide. At the highest levels, including collegiate and international competition, games are typically played on water-based or synthetic astro turf surfaces, which allow the ball to move faster and more smoothly. Most high school games in the United States are played on grass or field turf/artificial turf surfaces.

How Long Is a Field Hockey Game?

High school varsity field hockey games consist of four 15-minute quarters, for a total of 60 minutes of playing time. There are 2-minute breaks between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters, with a 10-minute halftime. Each team is allowed one 90-second timeout per game.

At the collegiate level, NCAA field hockey also uses four 15-minute quarters. College games are played at a faster pace because of the turf surface and higher level of skill and conditioning. Teams are allowed two timeouts per game, one in each half, and games may go into overtime if the score is tied at the end of regulation play.

How Does a Field Hockey Game Begin and Restart?

The game begins and restarts after every goal with a center pass. The player taking the center pass may put the ball into play in any direction using a hit, push, or self restart. The ball is then in play and live when touched by a player who has possession of the restart.

What Is the Objective of Field Hockey?

The object of the game is to move the ball into the shooting circle, a semi-circle extending 16 yards from each goal line, and score goals. Goals may only be scored when the ball is touched by an attacking player’s stick inside the opponent’s shooting circle. This is an important rule because goalkeepers will sometimes allow the ball to enter the cage if they know it was struck from outside the circle and therefore cannot count as a goal.

How Is a Goal Scored in Field Hockey?

A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar. If the ball is lifted dangerously into the goal, the umpire may rule the shot unsafe and disallow the apparent goal.