Field Hockey

Group stage:  

  • 3 or 4 teams per group (dependent on number of teams)

  • Win: 3 points, Draw: 1 point (Group Stage)

  • In case of equal points: Goal difference (-> direct comparison -> scored goals -> coin toss)

  • 1st place and best 2nd places advance to the knockout stage (starting with the Semifinals)

  • Draw (during knockout stage): penalty shootout (5 penalties; if equal score, sudden death)

Team composition:

  • Each team consists of 5 players and 1 goalkeeper (at least one female and male on the field) and a maximum of 9 people can be registered per team, allowing for substitution

Rules:

  • Only the flat side of the stick is permitted to touch the ball

  • The ball must not be lifted or played in the air, except for a legitimate shot on goal.

  • The game starts with a center pass and is restarted in this manner after each goal

  • When the ball goes out of bounds on the sidelines, it is restarted with a sideline hit by the team that did not touch it last. Over the back line, it is either a long corner or a goal hit, depending on who touched in last.

  • A goal can only be scored from within the shooting circle

  • Players cannot obstruct opponents from playing the ball by using their sticks or body.

  • Players are not allowed to use their feet to control the ball.

  • The goalkeeper may use any part of their body to stop the ball within the shooting circle but cannot play the ball once they are outside this area

  • The teams can substitute as much as they want

Fouls:

  • Accidental contact between the ball and feet results in a foul and ball for the opposing team

  • Tackling from behind is prohibited. Players must engage opponents shoulder-to-shoulder when competing for the ball

  • A free hit is awarded for a foul committed by the opposing team. The hit can be taken from where the foul occurred

  • The player can either strike the ball directly, pass to a teammate, or carry the ball for 3 meters before playing it

  • A penalty corner is awarded for a defensive foul within the shooting circle or intentional fouls in the defensive half of the field