Hockey scoring, rules and officials
Scoring
In hockey, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes between the goalposts and travels fully over the goal line. However, a goal is not awarded until the referee has signalled this and they are confident that no infringement of the rules has been committed.
The team at the end of 70 minutes with the most goals will be awarded the winners. However, in the event that both teams have the same score, a draw is recorded.
Rules
- A hockey team is made up of 11 players and six substitutes.
- All players on the pitch must have a hockey stick.
- Players may only use one side of the stick to hit the ball.
- The ball can only be passed or dribbled using the stick.
- A hockey player (goalkeeper excluded) cannot intentionally play the ball with other body parts.
- A foul is awarded to the opposition if a player purposely tries to hit the ball off another player with the intent of causing harm.
- Players are not permitted to hit the ball with the rounded side of their hockey stick.
- Players must not raise the hockey stick above waist height.
- Players must not hit a hockey stick off an opponent to interfere with play.
Officials
During a competitive game of hockey, there are two umpires responsible for upholding the laws of the game. The umpire鈥檚 decision is always final and to ensure all players are aware of their decision they have a number of signals to reinforce the call.