How long is a match, and when is time stopped?

FIH Rule 5.1 default: four quarters of 15 minutes, 2-minute breaks after quarters 1 and 3, and a 10-minute half-time. Both teams may agree other timings, unless the competition's regulations set them. Regulations can also change the rules on stopping time after a goal or corner, and suspension lengths.

Time and play stop:

• when a goal is scored (Rule 8.2), restarting when the teams are ready;
• on the award of a penalty corner (13.3 a), and again for a retaken or new corner;
• when a penalty stroke is awarded (13.7 a);
• to issue a personal penalty (card);
• at a team's request, for a goalkeeper substitution;
• for injury or any other reason the umpires decide.

Not stopped: for ordinary substitutions.

End of quarters:

• The quarter is extended to finish a penalty corner, and any further corner or stroke from it.
• If time runs out just before you'd have made a decision, you may still make it straight after the quarter ends.
• An incident just before the end that needs review may still be reviewed and corrected straight away.

Result (5.2): the team with more goals wins; otherwise it's a draw. Shoot-outs come from tournament regulations, not the Rules.

Domestic SA competitions may set their own match lengths in their regulations.