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Rules of Hockey
The International Hockey FederationŠ

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FIELD AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION

1. FIELD OF PLAY (diagram)
1.1 The field of play (field) is rectangular:

a. length 91.40 meters
b. width 55.00 meters
c. clearly marked with lines, recommended to be white in colour, in accordance with the plan

1.2 All lines are 75mm wide, part of the field and marked throughout their length:

a. the longer perimeter (91.40 meters) lines are called the side-lines
b. the shorter perimeter (55.00 meters) are called the back-lines
c. the parts of the back-lines between the goalposts are called the goal-lines

It is recommended that minimum "run-off" areas be provided outside the back-lines (5 meters) and side-lines (4 meters)

1.3 Other Markings:

a. centre-line across the field

b. 22.90 meters lines across the field, the edge nearer the centre-line being 22.90 meters from the outer edge of the nearer back-line.

The area enclosed by the 22.90 meters lines, the relevant part of the side-lines, and the back-line is known as the 23 meters area.

c. lines 300mm long are marked outside the field on each side-line, with the further edge of the lines being 14.63 meters from and parallel to the outer edge of the back-lines.

d. lines 300mm long are marked outside the field on each side-line, with the further edge of the lines being 5 meters from and parallel to the outer edge of the back-lines.

e. lines 300mm long are marked outside the field on each back-line on both sides of the goal at 5 meters and 10 meters from the outer edge of the nearest goal post, such distance being to the further edge of these lines.

Field markings in rules 1.3 c, d, and e have been moved from the inside o outside the field with effect from 2001. The dimensions in Rule 1.3 e were converted to metric at the same time. These Rules apply to all new and re-marked fields. However, existing fields with previously specified markings may continue to be used.

f. lines 150mm long are marked outside the field on each back-line 1.83 meters from the centre of the back-line, such distance being to the nearer edge of these lines.

g. penalty spots 150mm in diameter are marked in front of the centre of each goal with the centre of each spot 6.40 meters from the inner edge of the goal-line.

 

 

1.4 The shooting circles:

a. lines are marked inside the field, opposite the centers of the backlines, 3.66 meters long, parallel to and 14.63 meters from the backlines, the 14.63 meters to be measured from the outside of the back-line to the outer edge of the lines

b. these lines are continued uninterrupted each way to meet the back-lines in the form of quarter-circles with centers at the inside front corner of the nearer goal-posts

c. these lines are called the circle lines; the spaces enclosed by these lines, including the lines themselves are called the shooting circles (referred to in these Rules as "the circle").

d. broken lines are marked with their outer edges 5 meters from the outer edge of each circle line; each solid section of the lines to be 300mm long; gaps between the solid sections to be 3 meters long; each broken line to start with a solid section at the top centre of the circle line.

These broken lines are mandatory for international matches with effect 1 June 2000. Their adoption for other matches is at the discretion of National Associations.

 

1.5 No marks other than those described in this Rule shall be made on the playing surface.
1.6 Flag-posts:

a. between 1.20 and 1.50 meters high

b. placed at each corner of the field

c. must not be dangerous in any way

d. when unbreakable be attached to a spring base

e. must carry flags, not exceeding 300mm in width or length

A detailed technical drawing of the field of play is available from the FI Office in Brussels
1 Information about the specification of synthetic surfaces is included in Appendix E to these rules

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