Mini Hockey Rules

Mini Hockey is a 'short form' of the Standard game of Field Hockey, normally played by children in the U11 to U13 range. It is played on half of a full-sized pitch with goals on the side lines with a normal sized shooting circle painted down specially. The penalty spot is 5 metres from the goal line. It is played under the normal rules of Hockey with the following changes:-

1) 7 players per team including a properly kitted-out goalkeeper (helmet, pads etc.). Substitutes are allowed.

2) Everyone (except the taker) must be 5 metres away from any free hit, side-line hit, long corner or '16 yard' hit.

3) Any deliberate foul by the defenders in their half may be penalised with a penalty corner. Bearing in mind that there is no half-way line and at this level of Hockey deliberate fouls (and cheating) are rare, umpires can be 'flexible' as to where the half-way line is.

4) At a penalty corner 2 of the defending team must stand inside the other circle (there is no half-way line).

5) Games are often 10 mins one way or 7 mins each way with 2 mins at half time, depending on the tournament format.

It is perfectly possible to have only one umpire per pitch, and roam like a soccer referee. Finals are better umpired with two, it looks more convincing for the spectators!

Guidance Notes - Umpires' Briefing

No concession to the fact that children are playing should be made in the interpretation and application of the rules. Be aware though, of safety and dangerous play. Stop the game immediately there is an injury & summon the coach. The normal 'ladder' of control will not work. Many players will not automatically know what the umpire wants them to do, so, don't be officious, don't shout at them or be too pedantic (fussy). Deliberate foul play is rare but can happen, but more likely it will be due to clumsiness. Nevertheless if the action spoils attacking play or a goal from being scored, then the appropriate penalty should be applied. Umpires need to give clear crisp signals, just as in normal hockey, aside from the teams there are normally a lot of spectators present who will appreciate some idea of what is going on! You get very little, if any, dissent from the players at this level, but it is important to 'sell' the decision to the spectators. A little patience and understanding is needed. We want them to (and the umpires) enjoy the game and come back for more!

page created 13th February 2001

updated 5th march 2007