Field hockey / Rule 10
Goalkeepers
FIH · 2026In short
Special powers inside the circle · Limits outside the circle
Special powers inside the circle
With the ball inside their own circle and the stick in hand, goalkeepers may use their body or stick to play or deflect it. They must not lie on the ball or use their protective equipment to endanger opponents. These powers do not belong to ordinary field players.
Limits outside the circle
Outside their circle, goalkeepers may play the ball only with the stick. They must stay within the defensive 23-metre area unless taking a penalty stroke. Protective headgear remains compulsory during play, with the stated exception when taking a penalty stroke.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent summaries of the supplied FIH Rules of Hockey, effective 1 March 2026, for outdoor eleven-a-side hockey. Competition regulations and national implementation can differ. References use PDF pages.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗