How is indoor hockey different from outdoor, and which rules apply this season?

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Accepted Answer

Indoor hockey follows the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey. FIH's 2027 edition applies internationally from 1 November 2026, and national associations such as the SA Hockey Association decide when it starts domestically. This guide follows the 2027 edition. Indoor Outdoor Field 44 x 22 m recommended (minimum 36 x 18 m), with side-boards 91.40 x 55 m, open side-lines Players on field 6 (team of up to 12) 11 (team of up to 16) Match 4 x 10 min, 1-min breaks, 5-min half-time (new for 2027) 4 x 15 min, 2-min breaks, 10-min half-time Moving the ball Push only, no hitting Hit, push, flick or scoop Raising the ball Only for a shot at goal Allowed if not dangerous (no intentional raised hits) Free hit distance Free push, 3 m Free hit, 5 m Goalkeeper Own half only Own 23-metre area only Green / yellow card 1 min / 2 or 4 min 2 min / 5 or 10 min Time after a goal Not stopped Stopped Competitions may set other match lengths in their regulations. Other 2027 changes indoors: the limit on goalkeeper-for-field-player substitutions is gone; airborne balls may be pressed down with the flat of the stick; goals only count if the ball was on the ground at the last attacking touch; communication devices are banned; team officials can be carded; and a bully now completes a penalty corner.

	Indoor	Outdoor
Field	44 x 22 m recommended (minimum 36 x 18 m), with side-boards	91.40 x 55 m, open side-lines
Players on field	6 (team of up to 12)	11 (team of up to 16)
Match	4 x 10 min, 1-min breaks, 5-min half-time (new for 2027)	4 x 15 min, 2-min breaks, 10-min half-time
Moving the ball	Push only, no hitting	Hit, push, flick or scoop
Raising the ball	Only for a shot at goal	Allowed if not dangerous (no intentional raised hits)
Free hit distance	Free push, 3 m	Free hit, 5 m
Goalkeeper	Own half only	Own 23-metre area only