Geraldine Hockey League Rules 2026
The first two weeks are grading games, after this we will make changes to teams as needed and confirm the draw for the rest of the season.
The turf is an all-weather surface so we try our best not to cancel. If the weather is atrocious, a call will be made at lunchtime on game day and posted on the website so if you’re unsure - check there first.
If your team chooses to default please make this call by 12pm to allow for a mad shuffle to ensure the kids who are playing get a game. If you have to borrow more than 2 players (i.e. you have less than 5 of your own players), your team score will be recorded as default & the opposition team will get the points for the win.
Please read the game rules below and share these with your children before hockey starts.
Arrive 30 mins before your game for a warm up and skills session on the hard courts next to the turf.
Junior League – 7 aside, 14 min halves with 2 min half time. This league is for young players and beginners. For the sake of the flow of the game, when there is no advantage gained as a result of the infringement play will continue. The ball may be pushed or slap hit with hands apart. There is no hitting with hands together in the junior league.
Senior Leagues – 7 aside (includes padded goalie), 14min halves with 2 min half time.
Kids will be encouraged and taught to play all positions. Managers to run subs from halfway.
Sturdy sneakers, mouth guards and shin pads are mandatory.
Ball is to only be hit with the flat side of the stick.
Sticks are not to be raised above shoulder height.
The ball must not be raised above “top of the shin pad” height at any time.
A free hit may be given when;
a. Out - The ball goes over the sideline or back line
b. Feet - Foot contact that stops play. Play will be left to run for minor feet in the junior league
c. Obstruction - A player places their body between the ball and an opposing player who is within playing distance of the ball.
d. Hacking - A player hits another player’s stick.
e. Any dangerous play.
All defending players must be 5m from free hits.
Auto pass – if there is no pass available on a free hit the player may tap-and-go.
There are no goal circles marked on the Geraldine turf so the white line of the last tennis court will be used instead.
Attacking free hits cannot be hit directly into the circle, they must be passed back.
Goals are scored when the ball is played by an attacking player within the ‘circle’.
There are no penalty corners in the junior league. Infringements inside the circle will result in an attacking free hit outside the circle.
The senior league involves penalty corners. 5 defenders (including GK). Remaining players back to half way. Ball must be trapped outside the circle before going forward. Masks will be available for defenders behind the goals.