How long is a field hockey game?

Q: How long is a field hockey game?

It depends on where your child is playing: Standard 2026 FIH Rules of Hockey (Rule 5.1): Four 15-minute quarters 2-minute breaks after quarters 1 and 3 10-minute halftime (new for 2026) Time stops after a goal is awarded (new for 2026 Rule 8.2) Both teams can agree to different period lengths unless a competition's regulations set them. USA Field Hockey events (2026 Regulations), unless the event says otherwise: Two 25-minute halves with a running clock (no time stoppages) 5-minute halftime, never longer than 10 minutes Teams must be on the field with enough players within 5 minutes of the scheduled start, or they forfeit (scored 3-0).

Question

Accepted Answer

It depends on where your child is playing:

Standard 2026 FIH Rules of Hockey (Rule 5.1):

Four 15-minute quarters
2-minute breaks after quarters 1 and 3
10-minute halftime (new for 2026)
Time stops after a goal is awarded (new for 2026 Rule 8.2)

Both teams can agree to different period lengths unless a competition's regulations set them.

USA Field Hockey events (2026 Regulations), unless the event says otherwise:

Two 25-minute halves with a running clock (no time stoppages)
5-minute halftime, never longer than 10 minutes
Teams must be on the field with enough players within 5 minutes of the scheduled start, or they forfeit (scored 3-0).