Law 9: Conduct of Play: Players

Players are expected to act fairly and responsibly at all times.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.1 · recall

Players on the field must hold their stick and must not use it dangerously.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.2 · recall

Players must not lift their stick over the heads of other players.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.2 · recall

Players must not touch, handle or interfere with other players or their sticks or clothing.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.3 · applied

Interfering with an opponent's stick is an offence under Rule 9.3.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.3 · applied

Players must not intimidate or impede another player.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.4 · applied

Hitting hard on the forehand with the edge is an offence; the Rule does not bar the backhand edge.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.6 · recall

Players must not play the ball with the back of the stick, the rounded side.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.5 · applied

Interfering with clothing is an offence, penalised with a free hit to the other team.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rules 9.3, 12.2 · applied

An offence by a defender in the circle that does not prevent a probable goal gives a penalty corner; an intentional one against a player with the ball would give a penalty stroke.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rules 9.3, 12.3 · applied

The ball may be stopped, received, deflected or played at any height, including above the shoulder, in a controlled way unless it is dangerous.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.7 · recall

A ball is also dangerous when it causes legitimate evasive action by an opponent.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.8 · recall

Under the 2027 wording, the offence is placed where the danger arises.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.8 · recall

When a defender outside their circle deflects the ball and it endangers an attacker inside the circle, the 2027 exception awards a free hit outside the circle at the place of the deflection.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.8 · applied

Players must not intentionally raise the ball from a hit except for a shot at goal.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.9 · recall

Raising the ball unintentionally from a hit, free hits included, is not an offence unless it is dangerous.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.9 · applied

Raising the ball over an opponent's stick or body on the ground is permitted, even in the circle, unless dangerous.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.9 · applied

A flick or scoop towards an opponent within 5 metres is considered dangerous.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.9 · applied

Rule 9.8 moves the re-start back to where the defender touched the ball, outside the circle.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.8 · applied

Intentionally raising the ball from a hit, other than a shot at goal, is an offence.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.9 · applied

Opponents must not come within 5 metres of a player receiving a falling raised ball.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · recall

The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside playing distance, provided it is done safely.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · recall

The initial receiver has a right to the ball.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · recall

If the initial receiver is unclear, the player of the team that raised the ball must let the opponent receive it.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · applied

It is not always an offence if the ball touches a field player's body; only gaining an advantage or setting up to stop it so is penalised.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.11 · applied

It is not an offence if the ball touches the hand holding the stick but would otherwise have touched the stick.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.11 · recall

A player offends if they gain an advantage or position themselves intending to stop the ball with the body.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.11 · applied

Since the 2026 change, opponents may approach once the receiver has touched the ball, the first 5 metres having been respected.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · applied

Opponents keep 5 metres away until the receiver has touched the ball.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.10 · applied

Stopping the ball with the body on purpose is an offence, penalised by a free hit.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rules 9.11, 12.2 · applied

Players obstruct if they back into an opponent, physically interfere with them, or shield the ball from a legitimate tackle.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.12 · recall

A stationary player receiving the ball is permitted to face any direction.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.12 · recall

Players must not tackle unless they are in a position to play the ball without body contact.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.13 · recall

Reckless play such as sliding tackles that bring an opponent down should attract match and personal penalties.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.13 · recall

Players must not intentionally enter the goal their opponents defend or run behind either goal.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.14 · recall

Sticks may not be changed then unless the stick no longer meets the specification.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.15 · recall

If the ball touches a loose object on the field that was not thrown by a player, play continues (Rule 13.3 n aside).

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.16 · applied

Running in front of or blocking an opponent to stop them playing the ball is third-party (shadow) obstruction.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.12 · applied

Third-party obstruction is penalised with a free hit to the other team.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rules 9.12, 12.2 · applied

A broken stick falls outside the specification, which is the one case where a change is allowed.

Source: FIH Rules 2027, Rule 9.15 · applied