Playing the Ball with the stick Equipment
A player must play the ball with the flat side of the stick. A player may NOT use the foot or leg to support the stick in order to resist an opponent. A player may not interfere in the game without a stick.
Touching the ball
A player can't stop the ball with their foot or deflect the ball in the air or on the ground with any part of the body. The ball cannot be advanced by any means other than with the stick.
Obstruction
Occurs when a player shields or obstructs the ball from an opponent with the body or the stick. All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.
Stick Obstruction
A player may not hit, hook, hold or interfere with an opponents stick in order to gain possession of the ball.
Dangerous Play
A player may NOT charge, hit, shove or trip an opponent. A player can not play the ball in a potentially dangerous way. Raising the stick in a dangerous or intimidating manner while approaching or attempting to play the ball.
Free Hit
A free hit is awarded to the non-offending side following an infraction ( kicking the ball, obstruction, stick obstruction) and are usually taken at the spot the foul occurs.
No player of the opposing team may be within 5 yards of the ball during a free hit. The ball must be stationary and the striker must push or hit it. The hitter may not replay the ball until another player has touched it. If the infraction is committed by a defender within the shooting circle, the attacking team is awarded a penalty corner.
Penalty Corner
In a penalty corner, the ball is placed on the goal line at least 10 yards from the nearest goal post. One attacking player hits the ball to a teammate just outside the striking circle line. No shot on goal may be taken until the ball is stopped or come to rest on the ground outside the circle. All attackers must be outside the circle before the hit is taken.
DEFENSE: A maximum of 5 defenders may be behind the goal line, including the goalie, while the remaining defenders must be positioned beyond the center line.
OFFENSE: The attacking player taking the free hit passes the ball to her teammates positioned outside the striking circle. An offensive player will stop the ball with the stick and strike the ball at the goal, or start another attack.
A penalty corner is awarded for the following offenses:
Any breach of the rule by a defender within the circle that would have resulted in a free hit to the attacking team if the breach had occurred outside the circle. Any intentional breach of the rule by the defenders outside the circle but within the 25-yard line. An intentional hit over the goal line by a defender from any part of the field.
Penalty Stroke
The offense is awarded a penalty stroke for any intentional foul by a defender in the circle or for an unintentional foul by the defender which prevents a sure goal.
A penalty stroke is a one-on-one confrontation between an offensive player taking shot from the penalty spot, seven yards in front of the goal, vs. a goalkeeper in the goal behind the goal line. All other players must stand behind the 25 yard line.
The Referee: A penalty stroke can not be taken until the referee checks with both the offense and the defense to make sure they are ready. Once everyone is ready the referee will blow the whistle at which time the stroke may be played. The offense doesn't have to shoot immediately after the whistle is blown, but be sure not to delay the game though or you may lose the penalty shot altogether.
The goalkeeper: Must stand with both feet on the goal line and may not move either foot until the ball has been played.
The offensive: The player taking the stroke may push, flick or scoop the ball from the penalty spot. A penalty stroke is awarded for any intentional breach by the defenders in the circle or for an unintentional breach by the defenders which prevents a sure goal.
16-Yard Hits
When the attacking team plays the ball over the back line, the defense receives a 16-yard hit. The free hit is taken 16 yards from the spot where the ball crossed the back line.
The Push-In/Hit-In
A push-in or hit-in is awarded to the opposition if a player hits the ball wholly over the sideline. All other players and their sticks must be a least 5 yards away from the spot where the ball is put into play.
Offenses & Misconduct
Rough or dangerous play, misconduct or any intentional offense, the umpire may (1)caution the offending player (2)Warn the offending player with a green card (3)Temporarily suspend the offending player for a minimum of 5 minutes with a yellow card (4)Permanently suspend the offending player with a red card. |
