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Field Hockey · Rules of Hockey

Law 18: Field and Field Equipment

3 parts · 3 tests · 30 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown

Law 18 gives the detailed specification of the field and its equipment in the FIH Rules of Hockey 2027, from the run-off areas to the goals, nets, flag-posts, benches and the timekeeping table.

Beyond each back-line the surface continues for at least 2 m with a further unobstructed 1 m, and at the side-lines the minimum is 1 m of surface and 1 m unobstructed. White lines are mandatory for senior international fields, while yellow is often used where hockey is not the main sport. The circle's arcs are quarter-circles centred at the inside front corner of the nearer goal-post. Broken lines 5 m outside the circle have 300 mm solid sections and 3 m gaps, and are mandatory for senior international matches.

Goal-posts and the cross-bar are white and 50 mm wide, with posts between 50 and 75 mm deep. The goal is at least 0.90 m deep at the cross-bar and at least 1.20 m deep at ground level. The back-board is 3.66 m long and the boards are 460 mm high. Nets have a maximum mesh size of 45 mm and are fitted loosely so that a ball cannot rebound back into the field.

The facts below cover run-off, lines and the circle, then goals, boards and nets, and flags, benches and the table.

18.181Run-off, Lines and the Circle

Run-off areas, line colours and measuring, the circle and the broken line.

Test 1Run-off areas, markings and the circleTake a test

  1. The surface continues at least 2 m beyond the back-lines with a further unobstructed 1 m.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.1 · recall

  2. At the side-lines the minimum is 1 m of surface and 1 m unobstructed.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.1 · recall

  3. The recommended areas are 3 plus 2 m at the ends (5 m) and 2 plus 1 m at the sides (3 m).

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.1 · recall

  4. White lines are mandatory for senior international fields; yellow is often used where hockey is not the main sport.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.2 · recall

  5. The 22.90 m lines are 22.90 m from each back-line, measured between the furthest edges of the lines.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.3 · recall

  6. The arcs are quarter-circles centred at the inside front corner of the nearer goal-post.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.4 · recall

  7. Broken lines 5 m outside the circle have 300 mm solid sections and 3 m gaps; mandatory for senior international matches.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.4 · recall

  8. Lines 300 mm long are marked outside each back-line at 5 m and 10 m from the outer edge of the nearer goal-post.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.3 · applied

  9. 5 m, 10 m, then the circle's arc at 14.63 m from the post.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.3, 1.4 · applied

  10. 2 m, 3 m, then 5 m.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.1 · applied

18.182Goals, Boards and Nets

Goal-posts, depth, side-boards and back-boards, and nets.

Test 1Goals, boards and netsTake a test

  1. Goal-posts and cross-bar are white, rectangular in cross-section, 50 mm wide.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5 · recall

  2. Posts are 50 mm wide and between 50 and 75 mm deep.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5 · recall

  3. The goal is at least 0.90 m deep at the cross-bar and at least 1.20 m deep at ground level.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5 · recall

  4. Side-boards are at least 1.20 m long; the back-board is 3.66 m long.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.6 · recall

  5. Side-boards and back-boards are of a dark colour on the inside.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.6 · recall

  6. The maximum mesh size is 45 mm.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.7 · recall

  7. Nets are fitted loosely so that a ball cannot rebound off them back into the field.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.7 · recall

  8. Side-boards and back-boards are 460 mm high; the same height limits a first-shot hit at a penalty corner.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.6 · applied

  9. 50 mm, 460 mm, 2.14 m and 3.66 m.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5, 1.6 · applied

  10. The posts stand on the back-line; side-boards run back from them to the back-board.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5, 1.6 · applied

18.183Flags, Benches and the Table

Flag-posts, the surface, benches and the timekeeping table.

Test 1Flag-posts, benches, the table and the surfaceTake a test

  1. Flag-posts carry flags not exceeding 300 mm in width or length.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.8 · recall

  2. If unbreakable, flag-posts must be attached to a spring base.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.8 · recall

  3. Flag-posts must not be dangerous.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.8 · recall

  4. No marks other than those described are made on the surface; mandatory for senior international fields.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.2 · recall

  5. Where hockey is not the priority sport, lines are often yellow; also on white sand surfaces.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.2 · recall

  6. The position of the benches and table must not be dangerous to players or umpires.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.9 · recall

  7. Flag-posts may be placed at each corner of the field.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.8 · recall

  8. A timekeeping table may be placed outside and preferably at the centre of the field, on the benches' side and between them.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.9 · applied

  9. The table sits at the centre, between the two benches.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.9 · applied

  10. 300 mm, 1.20 m, then 1.50 m.

    Source: FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.8 · applied

Questions people ask

How much space must there be behind the back-line?
The surface continues at least 2 m beyond the back-lines with a further unobstructed 1 m. The recommended areas are 3 plus 2 m at the ends (5 m).
What colour are hockey field lines?
White lines are mandatory for senior international fields. Yellow is often used where hockey is not the main sport.
How is the circle's arc drawn?
The arcs are quarter-circles centred at the inside front corner of the nearer goal-post.
What are the broken lines outside the circle?
Broken lines 5 m outside the circle have 300 mm solid sections and 3 m gaps. They are mandatory for senior international matches.
How deep is a hockey goal?
At least 0.90 m deep at the cross-bar and at least 1.20 m deep at ground level.
How big are the side-boards and back-board?
Side-boards are at least 1.20 m long and the back-board is 3.66 m long. Both are 460 mm high and dark in colour on the inside.
Why must goal nets be loose?
Nets are fitted loosely so that a ball cannot rebound off them back into the field. The maximum mesh size is 45 mm.

Sources

FIH Rules of Hockey, 2027 edition in force from 1 November 2026, Field and Equipment Specifications 1 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.85
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.14
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.23
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.53
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.63
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.93
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.32
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.42
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.72
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.5, 1.62
  • FIH Rules 2027, Specifications 1.3, 1.41