Hockey 7s

Primary Competition Rules

• Match Format and Facilities

  Expand Match Format and Facilities
  • Duration: 2 x 15-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time interval.
  • Format: Games are played on a half-field hockey pitch.
  • Team Size: Maximum of 12 players per day.
  • 7 players on the field (minimum of 5 to start a game).
  • Up to 5 interchange players.
  • Goalkeepers: Use of goalkeepers is not permitted.

• Round Robin Scoring

  Expand Round Robin Scoring

  Points are allocated as follows: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. If two teams are tied at the end of the round-robin, the winner is determined by:

  1. Result of the head-to-head match.
  2. Goal difference.
  3. Most goals scored.
  4. Least goals conceded.

  If more than two teams are tied, the order is goal difference, then most goals scored, then least goals conceded.

• State Final Winner

  Expand State Final Winner

  If the final is a draw, 5 minutes of extra time is played. If still tied:

  1. Teams change ends, and the first score wins.
  2. If still tied after 5 minutes, teams are reduced to 5 players each for another 5-minute period (first to score wins).
  3. If still tied, teams are reduced to 3 players each and continue until a score breaks the tie.

• Gameplay and Rules

  Expand Gameplay and Rules
  • Stick Work: Sticks may not be raised above the shoulder or dangerously. 'Tomahawk' strokes are prohibited.
  • Play On: The 'Play On' rule applies; advantage is used where possible.
  • Ball Handling: Deliberately lifting the ball above knee height is prohibited. Self-passes are permitted for free hits.
  • Obstruction: Using the body to shield the ball or inhibit players is penalized, with umpires applying discretion to prevent "playing for obstruction."
  • Penalty Corners: Attacking players must push the ball from marks at least 6 metres from the goal. Goals cannot be scored until the ball leaves the circle.

• Safety and Officials

  Expand Safety and Officials
  • Blood Rule: Play must stop for injuries. Any player with an open wound must be withdrawn until bleeding stops, the wound is covered, and bloodied equipment or uniforms are replaced.
  • Dress Code: Players must wear matching shirts (numbered), matching shorts or skirts, and matching socks. Shin guards and mouthguards are strongly recommended.
  • Face Masks: Approved hockey-specific face masks are permitted for defenders during penalty corners and within the circle.
  • Lateness: Teams late without notice face a penalty of one goal for every 10 minutes of lateness.

• Equipment to Bring

  Expand Equipment to Bring
  • One new match ball (for non-state final matches).
  • All personal equipment, including shin pads and optional face masks.
  • A first-aid kit and sports tape (strapping must be performed by the school).