- At the start of the game and after any goal, the team that receives possession first must pass the ball backl, it cannot be hit it forward

- Ball cannot touch feet, if a ball accidentally or purposely hits a players foot,the whistle is blown and the opposing team gets a free hit.

-  A free hit means the offended player of the ball gets possession of the ball with defenders at least 5 yards away. On any free hit, the player taking the hit may only hit it once and must back away until someone else touches it.  A member of any team may touch it,  but you cannot double hit it.

- The ball cannot be lifted above the knee unless it is clear open space, if it is lifted the other team gets a free hit.

- Goals can only be scored from within the circle.

 

- Only the flat side of the stick may be used.

 

- A penalty stroke is one-on-one between an offensive player seven yards in front of the goal vs. a goalkeeper on the goal line. Offensive player tries to flick or scoop the ball into cage and you may only take one step forward.  All other players must stand behind the 25-yard line. The goalkeeper must stand with both feet on the goal line and may not move either foot until the ball has been played. A penalty stroke is awarded when an infraction by a defender prevents what would have been a certain goal, or for an intentional foul by a defender within the striking circle, or if the goalie keeps the ball in her pads.

 

- A penalty corner is called if any foul is committed by the defense inside the circle (ball hitting feet, obstruction, etc).

 

- On defensive corners (our defense commits a foul in circle), there are 3 defenders and a goalie allowed in the cage and the rest of the team must go to the 50yd line, or center line. Once the other team hits the ball, the defense may rush out of the cage to defend and everyone who is on the center line may sprint back to help.  Defense should always try to get the ball out wide and not up the middle.

 

- On offensive corners (the other team's defense commits a foul in circle), We have a player on endline with the ball and offense lined up around the circle.  Player with the ball on endline will hit it to someone at top of circle, usually the closest player to them.  The ball must be controlled and the player who receives the hit will either drive the ball towards goal or pass it. 

 

- Obstruction - same thing as blocking someone out in basketball.  It is prohibited in field hockey. If you have the ball, you cannot turn your back and block someone out.  Your feet must always be moving.  Picks are also not allowed because they cause obstruction.

 

- Third Party - Play may only be 1 v 1.  For example, if the a red player is dribbling the ball, the purple team can only have 1 defender go to defend them.  You cannot gang up on the player with the ball, that is called third party.

 

- No high sticking.

 

- No hacking.  Hacking is when you continuously use your stick and hit the other players stick to get the ball.