// initialise Superfish

INDOOR FIELD HOCKEY RULES

THE GAME:

  • Internationally, the game is divided into 2 periods of 20 minutes. MVSC will play with 2 x 20 minute periods, a 2-minute halftime, and a 3-minute changeover.
  • 7 players per side, no goalkeeper (at MVSC). Internationally Indoor is 6 players - 5 field and 1 goalie.
  • The players may not hit the ball, but only push it or deflect it, and may not raise the ball except in the shooting circle, with the purpose of scoring a goal.
  • The self-start / self-pass rule will be in affect.
  • The ball may not travel directly into the circle from a free hit to the attack within the 23m area without first being touched by another player or being dribbled at least 5m by a player making a "self-pass".
  • Players may not shield the ball using their body or stick. All players must have an equal chance to play the ball.
  • Players on the field must hold their stick and not use it in a dangerous way. Having a high swing around other players is considered dangerous. Players must not lift their stick above the heads of other players.

EQUIPMENT:

  • Indoor sticks are similar to outdoor sticks but are usually lighter and slimmer (Indoor sticks are not required for the MVSC league).
  • All players are required to wear mouth-guards, shin-guards, and turf/tennis shoes.  

TERMS:

  • Centre Pass: A pass from the center of the field used to start the game or restart the action following halftime or a score. The ball may be passed in any direction.
  • Obstruction: An infraction for shielding the ball from an opponent with a player’s body or stick. All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.
  • Penalty Corner: A free hit awarded to an offensive player from a point on the goal line at least 10 yards from the nearest goal post. One attacking player hits the ball to a teammate just outside the striking circle line. No shot on goal may be taken until the ball is stopped or come to rest on the ground outside the circle. All attackers must be outside the circle before the hit is taken. A maximum of five defenders may be behind the goal line while the remaining defenders must be positioned beyond the mid-field line.
  • Shooting Circle: Or “circle”. A semicircle measured out 16 yards from each goal line. All goals must be struck from within this circle.
  • Free Hits: are awarded to the opposing team for an offence made by any player anywhere on the field, excluding the circles. Opponents must be at least 5 meters from the ball.
  • Self-start / self-pass: a free hit where the player passes the ball to themselves. Importantly, this is not a "play on" situation, but to the untrained eye it may appear to be. The player must play the ball any distance in two separate motions, before continuing as if it were a play-on situation.
  • Advantage: a penalty is awarded only when a player or team has been disadvantaged by an opponent breaking the rules. If awarding a penalty is not an advantage to the team which did not break the rules, play must continue.

TYPES OF HITS:

  • Push: Moving the ball along the ground using a pushing movement of the stick after the stick has been placed close to the ball. When a push is made, both the ball and the head of the stick are in contact with the ground.
  • Flick: Pushing the ball so that it is raised off the ground.

LEAGUE RULES

  • All registrations are taken on a "First Come, First Serve" policy.  Preference is given to those teams who are playing in the current session as long as they register by the deadline date.
  • Minimum number of players permitted on a team is 7 players.
  • 7 players on field or 6 players and 1 goalie (goalie not required)
  • The minimum age to participate in the High School Field Hockey League is 13 years of age.
  • The minimum age the participate in the Adult Field Hockey League is 17 years of age.
  • "Parent Representative" a parent representative for each team must be present on the player’s sideline for every game.
  • All team members must have matching colored T-shirts or jerseys & must be worm at all times.
  • Shin-guards are mandatory and must be covered with socks.
  • Mouthguards are mandatory and must be worn at all times.
  • Turf shoes, flat-soled soccer shoes, or tennis shoes are required.  No cleats, please.
  • Rules will be explained by the official prior to game and calls will be made at the their discretion.
  • A Red Card infraction results in the suspension of a minimum of 1 game.  No refunds given.
  • Any player deemed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will not be allowed to play.

LEAGUE FEES

  • High School League: $650 per team - $200 deposit must accompany registration to gain entry into the league. Remaining balance is due at the first game - NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Adult League: $550.00 per team - $200 deposit must accompany registration to gain entry into the league. Remaining balance is due at the first game - NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • No roster will be accepted without the entire fee.
  • Team roster must be completed by team members by the first game.  This must be done for liability reason - NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • All rosters will be "frozen" after the first game; if you wish to add players to the roster after the first game there will be a $10.00 charge per player.

 
EACH SESSION CONSISTS OF 8 GAMES