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Game Info This page describes some of the basics of getting started playing field hockey. It is geared towards players who are new to the game. Rules of the Game Equipment Rules of the Game Here are some basic rules for field hockey: The game is played on a rectangular field, 91 x 55 meters and is marked much like a soccer field. There are two opposing goals on the end lines with a shooting circle in front. There are also side and center lines. The game begins with a pass back from the center line. Eleven players are on the field at one time, including the goalie. The game is two halves lasting 35 minutes, with 5 to 10 minutes halves. A goal is scored when the offense puts the ball behind the endline and into the goal. It counts as one point. There are no offsides. Players can be penalized for: using the wrong side of their stick playing the ball above their shoulders intentially kicking the ball or accidentally kicking the ball and gaining benefit lifting the ball dangerously high or in a crowd of people Penalties result in a free hit for the other team OR a penalty corner if the foul occurs in the shooting circle. This is just a short summary. There are many, many more rules to the game. For the complete rules, please read the Rules of Field Hockey on the USFHA website. Equipment How to Choose the Right Stick. How to Find Mouth Guards and Shin Guards. How to Find Field Hockey Balls. How to Find Field Hockey Bags. How to Find Goalie Equipment. If you don't need this type of information, feel free to skip down to the section on Equipment Retailers How to Choose the Right Stick: Field hockey sticks are now carried in many local sporting goods stores. So, you may not have to go far to purchase a stick. You can also purchase sticks from vendors at tournaments. But what if you don't want just any old stick? Field hockey sticks are made with lots of different materials, which means they all feel different from one another. Here's some information to help you choose the right one. As a general rule, forwards usually opt for lighter sticks and backs usually want heavier sticks. Forwards tend to light lighter sticks because it helps them react quickly to the ball when they're in the circle, when power is also less of a factor. Backs, on the other hand, need power to drive the ball up the field, (and it also means they won't get pushed around by the light sticks the forwards are carrying,) which is why they usually opt for heavier sticks. Finally, field hockey sticks also come in different lengths. There are guides to help you determine the size stick you need, based on your height, see Dita's Guide on Choosing the Right Stick Length. However, if a longer or shorter stick feels better, then use it! If you're thinking of switching to another stick, consider swapping with a player who has the stick you're considering before you purchase it. How to Find Mouth Guards and Shin Guards: You can find mouth guards and shin guards at your local sporting goods store. They are usually located in either the soccer or football section. You can also order them online at one of the equipment retailers listed below or from vendors at tournaments. How to Find Field Hockey Balls: It's hard to find field hockey balls at local sporting goods stores, but not impossible. But, you can order them from a field hockey equipment retailer. Some retailers ask that you purchase a full dozen, but others will let you purchase them individually. You can also buy them from vendors at tournaments. How to Find Field Hockey Bags: Don't expect to find field hockey bags at your local sporting goods store -- at least not the fancy ones. Most of the retailers listed below sell bags and you can also purchase them from vendors at tournaments. The most important thing to consider is what features you want your bag to have. Some players prefer bags that can carry more than one stick. Some players also like bags large enough to carry their cleats, towels, and other large items they'll need to take with them. How to Find Goalie Equipment: If you'd like information about goalie equipment, your best bet is to talk to another goalie about what works for them. If you haven't played in a while or don't have pads, WFHA has a spare set we can loan while you're debating what to purchase. You will need to purchase goalie equipment from an equipment retailer. Equipment Retailers: Cran Barry Dita Longstreth Penn Monto STX Return to WFHA Home Page Copyright 2004 Washington Field Hockey Association. All Rights Reserved. If you have any questions concerning this web site, please send an e-mail message to our Webmaster or leave a message on the WFHA hotline at 703-642-WFHA