Do we have to play with a goalkeeper, and how do goalkeeper changes work?

Question

Accepted Answer

FIH Rules 2.2, 2.3 and 10 (2027). A team plays either: with a goalkeeper, who wears a shirt of a different colour and at least headgear, leg guards and kickers; or with field players only. Then nobody has goalkeeping privileges or wears a different shirt, and nobody may wear protective headgear except a face mask when defending a penalty corner or stroke. Switching between these options must be done as a substitution. Goalkeeper substitutions (revised for 2027): Time no longer has to be stopped. A goalkeeper may leave during play and be replaced, including by a field player, through the substitution area at the centre-line like any other player. At your team's request, time may still be stopped for a goalkeeper substitution (some competition regulations require the request). The stoppage isn't extended for putting kit on or off. Only when time is stopped may a goalkeeper replaced by a field player leave near their own goal, and they must go straight to the team bench. An injured or suspended defending goalkeeper may be replaced during a penalty corner. If your goalkeeper is suspended, your team plays one player short. On the field: the goalkeeper can't take part in play outside their own 23-metre area (except to take a penalty stroke) and must wear headgear at all times except when taking a stroke.