How long are junior matches and festivals?

Question

Accepted Answer

Full-length junior matches (England Hockey Junior Competition Regulations 2026/27): Age group Standard Alternative if both teams agree beforehand Under 16 and Under 18 2 x 35-minute halves, 5-10 minute half-time 4 x 17 min 30 s quarters Under 14 2 x 30-minute halves 4 x 15-minute quarters Under 14 to Under 18 teams playing full-length games should play only one full-length match a day. Festivals and tournaments: England Hockey's recommended limits: Age group Format Max playing time in a day Max matches Minimum game length Under 14 7-a-side 2 hours 6 10 min each way Under 12 and Under 13 7 or 6-a-side 1 hour 45 min 7 9 min each way, or 15 min one way Under 11 7 or 6-a-side 1 hour 30 min 9 9 min each way, or 10 min one way Teams must have a break between games, and England Hockey strongly recommends the whole event lasts at least one and a half times the playing time (for example, 2 hours of play across 5 hours). Organisers can shorten games, especially for festivals and lower-tier activity.

Age group	Standard	Alternative if both teams agree beforehand
Under 16 and Under 18	2 x 35-minute halves, 5-10 minute half-time	4 x 17 min 30 s quarters
Under 14	2 x 30-minute halves	4 x 15-minute quarters

Age group	Format	Max playing time in a day	Max matches	Minimum game length
Under 14	7-a-side	2 hours	6	10 min each way
Under 12 and Under 13	7 or 6-a-side	1 hour 45 min	7	9 min each way, or 15 min one way
Under 11