What are the rules for goalkeepers indoors?
Rule- England
- England Hockey
- FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey
- Indoor hockey
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Players
Under the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey (Rule 10):
- A goalkeeper in protective kit must not take part in the match outside the half of the field they are defending, except to take a penalty stroke.
- Protective headgear must be worn at all times, except when taking a penalty stroke.
- Inside their own circle, a goalkeeper may stop or deflect the ball with stick, feet, kickers, legs, leg guards or other parts of the body, and may push the ball away with the body as part of a goal-saving action. They must not do this forcefully enough to send the ball a long way, and must not use their protective equipment to play dangerously.
- Outside their circle, a goalkeeper may only play the ball with the stick.
- Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball.
The rules on raising the ball and on not hitting it apply to goalkeepers as well as field players.
Added 21 Oct 2026