• The Pitch

1. Dimensions
   
   The maximum and minimum dimensions of the pitch are laid down in the Rules, but it is strongly recommended that, where the maximum size is not possible, a width of 21 meters should be provided to ensure that the circle-lines meet the back-lines before they reach the side-boards. Length should be more than 36 meters whenever possible. The larger the area of the pitch, the more the proper skills of the game can be developed by players and the action and the flow of the game enhanced.
   
   In addition to the playing size of the pitch, there should be, where practical, at least 3 meters behind each back-line to provide space for players to avoid running into back-walls. Padding is recommended at back-walls (especially in small halls) to prevent danger to players and to prevent dangerous rebounds from shots at goal.
   
   Spectators should usually be accommodated at the sides of the pithc with seating situated at least 3 meters from the side-boards. Team benches and the control table are required to pe placed on one side of the pitch; space for them in any pitch layout is essential. The space between the side-boards and spectators or walls is essential for safety reasons and access.
   
   Where indoor facilities for domestic games, practices and training are limited by hall size, other factors, the duration of a game or the number of players ont he pitch may be varied.

2. Surface
   
   Indoor hockey cna be played on various surfaces, most of which are also suitable for other indoor sports. Accordingly, the game often has to be played on surfaces not especially provided for indoor hockey. Such surfaces include vinyl, linoleum, natural or artificial wood and other plastic materials. These surfaces facilitate a staisfactory game provided the surface is even, not sticky or slow, and does not induce too much bouncing of the ball.
   
   Various surface colors can be used. The ball should be of a contrasting colo.

3. Lighting
   
   The General Associaiton of International Sports Federations (GAISF) the European Broadcasting Union and Philips Lighting BV issued, in October, 1992, a guide to artificial lighting of multi-purpose indoor sports halls. Copies can be obtained from the FIH office.
   
   For normal club play, a minimum of 500  lux is acceptable. At least 700 lux is required for major international and club competitions. The requirement for televised games is at least 1000 lux.

• OTHER TECHNICAL MATTERS

1. Goals
   
   The size of the gaols (height and width) is smaller than for outdoor hockey. Equipment may not therefore be so readily available. Accordingly, goals may have to be specially made although goals for the sport of handball may suffice.

2. Side-boards
   
   Side-boards will also often have to be specially made. It is important to use good quality material and to check for the quality of the ball rebound

3. Balls
   
   Any color of ball can be used, but for televised games, red is not acceptable for technical reasons. White or yello are the preferred colors, but the color of the playing surface should be taken into account.

4. Lines
   
   If the game has to be played on surfaces with lines marked for other sports (which cannot easily be removed), insist on lines of a distinct color.

5. Advertising, Sponsorship and Television
   
   Advertising is not permitted immediately behind or within the goal. Boards or banners at the pitch corners or along the sides are acceptable, but must not interfere with the playing surface, sideboards, space behind the side-boards, spectators, control table or team benches. Advertising on the pitch surface is not permitted.
   
   Specific regulatations govern the apporval of advertising on player's dress and equipment for play in international tournaments. For club-level events, Continental Federations are permitted to vary the requirements and adivce should be sought from either the FIH or the appropriate Continental Federation.
   
   There are also specific FIH requirements on sponsorship and televising of international tournaments, and advice should be sought form the FIH on these and related matters.

6. Pitch Planning
   
   for pitches used at major events, consideration should also be given to: positioning of results boards and time clocks; connection points for television cameras and for space to operate mobile cameras along the pitch length; telephone points, cabling and additional lines for the media and public, word processing, photocopying and fax facilities in the support office.
   

• FIH OFFICE

Full information on the above topics and other related matters may be obtained from:

The International Hockey Federation
Avenue des Arts 1 Bte 5
B - 1210 Brussels
Belgium

Telephone: ++32 (2) 219 4537
Fax: ++32 (2) 219 2761
E-mail: FIH@FIHockey.org
Internet: http://www.FIHockey.org