Indoor hockey is a dynamic and fast-paced sport that requires specific field dimensions and equipment. In this blog, we will discuss the official dimensions of an indoor hockey pitch and the main pitch equipment elements.
The Pitch
An indoor hockey pitch is rectangular and is bounded by side boards and backlines. The length varies between 36.00 and 44.00 meters, bounded by side boards between 18.00 and 22.00 meters wide. Where possible, the maximum dimensions are used. If this is not feasible, a width of 21 meters is recommended, so that the circle lines touch the backlines in front of the side boards.
To ensure safety, run-off areas of at least 3 meters behind the backlines and 1 meter outside the sidelines are recommended.
Markings
- No markings other than those mentioned in this rule may be made on the playing floor. If indoor hockey is played on a floor where lines from other sports are present that cannot be easily removed, the markings must be of a contrasting color.
- Lines are 50 mm wide and must be clearly visible along their entire length.
- Backlines and all markings enclosed by those backlines and the side boards are part of the playing field.
- All markings must be of a color that contrasts with the playing floor.
Side Boards
- Mark the 36.00 to 44.00 meter long boundaries of the playing field.
- Have a cross-section of 100 x 100 mm.
- The standing sides on the playing field side are chamfered downwards by 10 mm. Side boards must be made of wood or material with similar physical properties. They must not have connections or supports that are dangerous to players or umpires.
Lines and other marks
- Backlines: boundary lines between 18.00 and 22.00 meters long.
- Goal lines: the parts of the backlines between the goalposts.
- Centre line: drawn across the width in the middle of the field.
- Lines 300 mm long on the inside of each backline on both sides of the goal at 6.00 meters from the outside of the nearest goalpost, with the distance measured to the outside of the line.
- Lines 150 mm long on the outside of each backline at 1.50 meters from the centre of the backline, measured from the inside of these lines (marks for the goalposts).
- Penalty spot with a diameter of 100 mm placed directly in front of each goal with the centre of the spot 7.00 meters from the inside of the goal line. KNHB: if a floor has a penalty stroke line instead of a spot, the centre of this line serves as the place for taking a penalty stroke.
Circle
- Lines 3.00 meters long are placed within the field, parallel to the backline, with the centre of the lines at the height of the centre of the backlines; the distance between the outside of the 3.00 meter line and the outside of the nearest backline is 9.00 meters.
- These lines extend in both directions to the backline with uninterrupted curved lines in the form of a quarter circle, with the inside corner of the nearest goalpost as the center.
- The 3.00 meter lines and the quarter circles together are called the circle line; the areas within these lines, including the lines themselves, are called the circles.
Indoor Hockey Goals
- Two vertical goalposts joined by a horizontal crossbar stand in the middle of each backline on the 2.4.e markings.
- The goalposts and crossbar are white, rectangular in cross-section, 80 mm wide and 80 mm deep.
- The goalposts may not extend above, in front of, or behind the crossbar, and the crossbar may not extend beside, in front of, or behind the goalposts.
- The distance between the inside of the goalposts is 3.00 metres and the distance from the ground to the bottom of the crossbar is 2.00 metres.
- The area outside the field, behind the goalposts and crossbar, enclosed by the goal net, is a minimum of 0.80 metres deep at the height of the crossbar and a minimum of 1.00 metre deep at ground level.
Side and backboards are not mandatory, but if fitted, they must comply with the following specifications:
- Sideboards are 1.00 metre long and 460 mm high.
- Backboards are 3.00 metres long and 460 mm high.
- Sideboards are placed on the ground, at right angles to the backline and attached to the back of the goalposts without widening the posts.
- Backboards are placed on the ground, at right angles to the sideboards and parallel to the backline, and are attached to the end of the sideboards.
- Side and backboards have a dark colour on the inside.
Goal Nets
- Mesh size is a maximum of 45 mm.
- Are attached to the back of the goalposts and crossbar with intervals of no more than 150 mm.
- The goal nets hang outside the side and backboards if fitted.
- The goal nets are attached in such a way that the ball cannot pass between the net and the goalposts, the crossbar, or – if installed – the side and backboards.
- The goal nets are tensioned in such a way that the ball does not rebound.
Team Benches and Match Table
- A team bench is placed on one side of the field for each team.
- On the same side of the field as the team benches, at the height of the centre line, there is a match table, with a seat for the timekeeper and a seat for players temporarily sent off the field (penalty bench).
An indoor hockey pitch has strict dimensions and specific characteristics to ensure safety and playability. By adhering to the correct field dimensions, markings, and field equipment, an optimal playing environment is created for players and officials. Whether you want to construct an indoor hockey pitch or simply learn more about the sport, these guidelines provide a complete overview of everything you need to know about the dimensions and layout of an indoor hockey pitch.
