How do I keep time, and how long are the quarters and breaks?

Timekeeping is controlled by the Technical Officials on duty, who signal the end of each period. The umpires start, stop and restart the match and signal the technical bench for every stoppage and restart, so confirm with the umpires before the game that they will do this. If a period is prolonged for a penalty corner, the umpires signal its end.

Match periods in the 2026 regulations:

• U21 and Country: four 15 minute quarters; 2 minutes after quarters 1 and 3; 10 minutes at half time (or 5 to 10 minutes as advised at the Event Briefing). Time stops for up to 40 seconds for an initial penalty corner, and time and play stop after a goal.
• U18 and U16: four 15 minute quarters; same intervals; time is not stopped for a penalty corner or a goal unless needed for another reason.
• U14: four 10 minute quarters; 2 minutes after quarters 1 and 3; 5 minutes at half time (or 5 to 10 as advised); time is not stopped for a penalty corner or goal unless needed for another reason.

If a scoreboard clock breaks down, the judge makes sure the team benches are advised of the remaining playing time every five minutes. Give teams a warning at least two minutes before the scheduled restart at half time.