Hockey Rules Made Simple for Sefton Liverpool Fans

Whether you’re stepping onto the turf for the first time or cheering from the stands, understanding the basics of hockey rules helps you enjoy the sport more. This guide breaks down the essential rules you’ll see on the pitch or in the indoor arena, and it does it in plain English – no jargon, no fluff.

Basic Rules of Play

First up, the layout. A standard field is 100 yards long and about 60 yards wide. You’ll have a midfield line, a shooting circle (also called the ‘D’), and two goal lines. Each team fields ten players: a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The ball starts in the centre and moves quickly – the goal is to get it into the opponent’s net.

Here’s how a typical play works:

• Start of play: The umpire drops the ball at midfield. Both teams line up behind the centre line, and the first touch decides who gets possession.
• Passing: You can pass the ball with the flat side of the stick only. Lifting the ball is allowed, but only for a short distance and never above shoulder height.
• Scoring: A goal counts only if the ball is completely inside the circle and crosses the goal line under the stick’s flat side. The goalkeeper can use any part of the body to block shots.
• Turnovers: If you play the ball illegally – like a high stick, a dangerous lift, or a deliberate obstruction – the umpire awards a free hit to the other side.

Timing is simple: a match lasts two 35‑minute halves, with a short halftime break. If the game ends in a tie during a knockout competition, you’ll see extra time or a shoot‑out, depending on the tournament rules.

Common Violations & How They're Enforced

Most rule breaches are called “fouls,” and the umpire uses a card system similar to soccer. A yellow card is a warning; a red card means the player is sent off for the rest of the match.

Typical fouls include:

• High stick: Any stick above shoulder height that contacts the ball or a player. This can lead to a free hit and, if repeated, a yellow card.
• Obstruction: Using the body or stick to block an opponent’s path. The umpire will stop play and give the ball back to the obstructed team.
• Squash the ball: Deliberately stopping the ball with a hand, foot, or any part of the body. This results in a free hit for the other side.
• Dangerous play: Anything that risks injury – like a reckless charge or a swing that could hit a player’s head. Expect a card and a free hit.

For indoor hockey, the rules are tighter because the space is smaller. You can’t hit the ball above head height at all, and the board walls are in play, so the ball can bounce off them for a legal pass.

Getting the rules down doesn’t have to be a chore. Watch a few local matches at the Sefton Liverpool Hockey Hub, pay attention to how umpires signal fouls, and you’ll pick up the flow fast. When you’re on the field, remember the two core ideas: keep the ball moving low and stay clear of dangerous sticks. Stick to those, and you’ll avoid most penalties.

Ready to put this knowledge to use? Grab a stick, join a training session, and let the rules guide your play. You’ll find that the more you understand the game, the more fun it becomes – for you and everyone watching.