The first part of a glossary on basic terms and phrases for field hockey is already available on our website. However, even if this game seems easy to understand, it still has some aspects that we didn’t manage to cover. Therefore, in this second part of that guide, we will go over penalty terms and their effects on the game. This knowledge is very important for any fan or punter because some penalties can change the course of a match and ultimately its result.
What is a Penalty?
Let’s discuss the term “penalty” first. A penalty is a type of disadvantage imposed to a team or player for committing fouls or breaking the rules. There are various types of penalties given based on the severity of the action by the offender. Some of these include:
- Free Hit
A free hit is a play given to a team when the other team commits a foul outside of the shooting circle. This hit takes place near the zone where said foul was committed, with all opposing players standing at least five yards away from the player taking the shot. This may also be awarded if an intentional foul occurs within the 25-yard line. - Penalty Corner
This corner is awarded to the offensive team, if the defensive team commits a foul inside the shooting circle or if they commit an intentional foul within the 25-yard line. The ball is placed on the backline, 11 yards away from the nearest goalpost, and thrown out by an offensive player to their team. Their teammates wait outside of the shooting circle and can take a shot at the goal. This is also called a “short corner”. - Long Corner
This corner is played on the 25-yard line and in line with the location the foul occurs. It is only awarded if a defender unintentionally hits the ball behind their own goal line in NCAA games. - Penalty Stroke
This is the most serious penalty awarded in-game barring an ejection. An offensive player gets a free shot against the opposing team’s goalkeeper to score a goal. This is usually only awarded if a defender commits a foul to prevent an offensive player from scoring. - Additional Penalties
If a secondary foul is committed before a penalty is taken for the first one, additional penalties may be awarded. If the secondary penalty is the other team committing the same offence, the penalties can also cancel each other out. - Green Card
Cards are personal penalties that occur when an umpire deems an action by an individual player inappropriate. Often the referee will first verbally warn the player and follow it up with a card if a repeat offense happens. The green card will suspend a player from the game for two minutes. The team cannot replace that player during the suspension and must play short-handed. - Yellow Card
This card is usually shown when an intentional foul occurs. A player is suspended from the game for at least 5 minutes, although the referee may extend the time based on their judgment. If a player receives three yellow cards, they are at the risk of receiving a red card. - Red Card
Similar to its football equivalent, this is the most serious penalty that can be issued to a player. The player receiving it is ejected from the game and the team’s next game. The team also has to play the remaining time of the game with one player down.
These penalties are issued for a variety of situations, although not all of them are listed. While there are set offense’s with set penalties, the umpire’s discretion also matters a lot. Likewise, it is remember that different leagues may apply penalties differently, or may have additional rules on the subject.
Also, one should remember that in field hockey “advantage” call exists. That is a call made by the referee to continue the game, if a fouled team gains an advantage after a foul has been committed.
Various types of fouls committed
- Back Stick:
This is a foul called for hitting the ball with the rounded face of the hockey stick. - Dangerous Play:
A foul is called for anything that may result in injury. Pushing, tripping, hacking, or raising the ball towards a player who is less than five yards away are all considered dangerous plays. - Flagrant Foul:
An intentionally rough or dangerous play, as deemed by the referee. The player is issued a red card and instantly ejected from the game. - Foot:
This foul is issued if a player kicks the ball or uses their feet to gain an unfair advantage. The intention of the player is disregarded. - Hacking:
Also known as “stick interference”, this foul is called when a player tackles another player’s stick instead of the ball. - High Sticking:
A foul was called for raising the stick above shoulder level. - Hooking:
The act of using the stick to hook an opponent’s stick or leg. - Obstruction:
A type of foul called if a player uses their stick or their body to block another player moving or hitting the ball. - Raised/High Ball:
This is called if the ball is lifted more than 18 inches off the ground. - Swatting:
A foul called against a goalkeeper if they make a swinging motion at the ball. - Time Wasting:
This happens when any action or non-action keeps the play from continuing within a reasonable amount of time. - Trapping:
A foul that occurs when a player steps on the ball or covers it with their body. - Tripping:
A foul called on a player who uses their stick to trip an opposing player. - Undercutting:
A penalty applied for a hard swing under the ball to raise the ball into the air. - Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
This foul is called for dangerous plays, obscene language, or taunting. It is often penalized with a card.
This is the end of the second part of the field hockey glossary. Now that you are aware of various penalties and in which cases they are applied, you are ready to open an account at the best betting platform and enjoy a good field hockey match while risking some money and reaping the big payouts.