6 TEAMS

A game shall be played between 2 teams of not more than 12 players each, but not more than 6 players of each team shall be on the field at the same time. Each team is permitted to substitute from the maximum of 12 players.

If any team has fewer than 4 players on the pitch or permitted on the pitch, the umpire shall stop the game, the opposing team to be the winner

A player leaving the pitch, unless being substituted, may not return without the agreement of an umpire.

a. only permitted when

- the ball is outside the pitch over the back-line or goal-line
- a goal has been scored
- a penalty stroke awarded
- play is to restart after an unsuccessful penalty stroke
- play is to restart after half-time
-time has been stopped for an injury, when only the injured player may be substituted

Substitution is not permitted, except for injury to or suspension of the defending goalkeeper, after or during the taking of a penalty corner.

b. no limit to the number of players who may be substituted at the same time nor to the number of times any player may substitute or be substituted

c. a player who is substituted must return to the team bench before being eligible to substitute again.

d. substitution of a player may be made only after a player from the same team has left the pitch.

e. time shall not be stopped for substitutions except for injury.

f. substitutes shall not be permitted for suspended players during their suspension.

g. after completing a suspension, a player may be substituted without first returning to the pitch

h. players leaving or entering the pitch shall do so at or near the centre-line on the side of the pitch where team benches are located

a. an incapacitated or suspended goalkeeper shall be replaced immediately by another goalkeeper

b. where no substitute goalkeeper is available, the field player replacing the goalkeeper must wear protective headgear and a shirt of a colour different from those of either team shall be permitted to put on, without time-wasting, other protective equipment

c. during the suspension of a goalkeeper, the team must have one less player of the pitch.

During play, only players and umpires may be on the field unless authorised by the umpire.