Rules
Game Basics
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Each game consists of two halves 20 – 25 minutes each with a 5 minute half time.
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AFH games are played 7 players per side with or without a goalkeeper. Rules such as the penalty corner are modified for 7v7 play. (Note: Normally, field hockey is played 11v11)
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Only the flat side of the stick may be used when playing field hockey.
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A goal is only scored when an attacker strikes the ball into the goal from within the striking circle or "D".
Fouls
A player may not:
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Shield or obstruct the ball from an opponent with the body or stick. All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.
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Play the ball with the rounded side of the stick.
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Charge, hit, shove, or trip an opponent.
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Play the ball in a potentially dangerous way.
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Raise the stick in a dangerous manner while attempting to play or stop the ball.
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Advance the ball by any means other than with the stick.
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Stop or deflect the ball in the air or on the ground with any part of the body.
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​Hit, hook, hold or interfere with and opponents stick.
Penalty Corner or "Short 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 touched outside the circle. All attackers must be outside the circle before the insertion is taken. On defense, a maximum of five (four for 7v7) defenders may be behind the goal line while the remaining defenders must be positioned beyond the center line.
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A penalty corner is awarded for the following offenses:
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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.
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An intentional hit over the goal line by a defender from any part of the field.
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If a player, either on the attacking or defending team, enters the circle before the ball is moved, that player will be sent to the top of the opposite circle for 7v7 play or the midfield line for 11v11 play. If the injector feints and pretends to move the ball in the attempt to make the defense false start, the injector will be sent to the top of the opposite circle for 7v7 play or the midfield line for 11v11 play.
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3/4 Grade and 5/6 Grade penalty corners. At the 3/4 group, the teams and referees will decide if they want to proceed with standard corner rules. Three defenders plus the goalie are required for a defensive penalty corner; all other defensive players must go to the top of the opposite circle to start the corner.
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7/8 Grade penalty corners. For 7v7 play, 3 defenders plus the goalie are required for a defensive penalty corner; all other defensive players must go to the top of the opposite circle to start the corner. For 11v11 play, 4 defenders plus the goalie are required for a defensive penalty corner; all other defensive players must go to the midfield line to start the corner.
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If the AFH Commissioner and coaches determine a team is not yet ready for Penalty Corners, they will take a Long Hit instead.
Results of Fouls
Long Hit
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If the ball unintentionally goes off a defender and over the endline, the ball will be re-started on the 25 yard line in line with the location that the ball crossed the end line; all procedures for taking a free hit will apply.
16 – Yard Hits
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When the attacking team plays the ball over the backline, the defense receives a 16-yard hit. The free hit is taken 16 yards from the spot where the ball crossed the backline.
The Push-In/Hit In
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A push-in or hit-in is awarded to the opposition if a player hits the ball over the sideline. All players and their sticks must be at least 5 yards away from the spot where the ball is put into play.
Penalty Strokes/Pushes
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A penalty stroke is awarded to the opposition if a defending player or goalkeeper commits a flagrant foul inside the circle that poses danger to the attacking player, when a defender stops a sure goal with any part of the body, or when the goalkeeper purposefully covers the ball with their equipment therefore denying an attacker an opportunity to score.
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The ball is placed on the stroke mark 7 yards from the center of the endline. The opposing player must start within playing distance of the ball and should flick or scoop the ball toward the goal in one stroke (may only touch the ball once).
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The goalie must stand on the endline and may not move until the opposing player moves the ball. The stroke is retaken if the goalie moves off the line prematurely.
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A goal is awarded if the ball crosses the endline and into the goal cage at any height regardless of whether the goalie touches the ball. No goal is awarded if the stroker misplays the ball, the ball does not cross the goal line, or if the goalkeeper prevents the ball from crossing the goal line. A goalkeeper may cover the ball if necessary.
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3/4 Grade teams: NO penalty strokes for this age group. Instead award the attacking team a free push 16 yards from the endline.