Can I play the ball while kneeling or lying down, or with my body?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Hockey Association
- FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey 2027
- Indoor hockey
- Senior
- 2026/27
- Players
Indoor Rule 9.11-9.12 and 9.15:
- No playing the ball while lying on the field, or with a knee, arm or hand on the field (other than the hand holding the stick). This is an indoor-specific rule. Only a goalkeeper inside their own circle may play the ball lying down.
- Body: field players must not stop, kick, propel, pick up, throw or carry the ball with any part of their body. It's only an offence if you gain an advantage or positioned yourself to stop it that way. The ball hitting the hand holding the stick, when it would otherwise have hit the stick, isn't an offence.
- Tackling: only tackle when you can play the ball without body contact. Sliding tackles and overly physical challenges that put an opponent on the ground should get match and personal penalties.
- Dangerous play (9.8): deliberately playing the ball hard into an opponent's stick, feet or hands when they're set or stationary, or turning and trying to play through a defender who is close or trying to play the ball, is dangerous and may also earn a card.
- Obstruction (9.13): no backing into opponents, interfering with their stick or body, or shielding the ball from a legitimate tackle. FIH asks umpires to step in early when players shield the ball in the corners or against the side-boards.
Added 22 Oct 2026