What can goalkeepers do indoors?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Hockey Association
- FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey 2027
- Indoor hockey
- Senior
- 2026/27
- Players
Indoor Rule 10 (2027):
- Where: a goalkeeper must not take part in play outside the half of the field they're defending (except to take a penalty stroke), and must wear headgear at all times except when taking a stroke.
- Inside their own circle, stick in hand:
- may propel the ball with stick, feet, kickers, legs or leg guards only when it's on the ground (clarified for 2027);
- may stop or deflect it in any direction, including in the air and over the back-line, with stick, feet, kickers, legs, leg guards or any other part of the body;
- may push the ball away with arms, hands or body when it's on the ground, but only as part of a save or to clear it from a scoring chance, not to propel it forcefully a long way;
- may play the ball while lying on the field inside the circle.
- Must not lie on the ball, or use their protective kit to play dangerously.
- Outside their circle: stick only.
Kit: a shirt of a different colour from both teams, worn over any upper-body protection, and at least headgear, leg guards and kickers. The maximum length of the left-hand protector is now 365 mm (was 355 mm).
A team may instead play with six field players. Then nobody has goalkeeping privileges or wears a different shirt.
Added 22 Oct 2026