WEST JERSEY WOMEN'S FIELD HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Winter Indoor League
RULES OF PLAY
1. The summary of the WJWFHA indoor rules includes the major rules of the NFHS Field Hockey Rulebook and guidelines that are designed and approved by the WJWFHA Executive Board. These rules are put into place to provide a safe, fun and competitive environment for the game of field hockey.
2. WJWFHA follows high school rules of play.
3. Teams will consist of not more than six players on the field but not less than four players in order to take the field. This may be five field players plus a goalkeeper or six field players. One player MUST stay behind the extended circle if a team is playing without a goalkeeper. All goalkeepers must wear a helmet, face mask and pads.
4. If a team does not have four players to take the field and five minutes have passed from game, this will count as a forfeit. Teams can still continue to play as a fun game.
5. There are two-halves of 25-minute periods with a 5-minute half time. The game clock will begin at game time whether a team (s) is ready to take the field. There is no overtime.
RULES OF PLAY CONTINUED
6. Home team provides the game ball and will start game play. The away team will start the game at the second half.
7. Game Play: there are no drives, lifts, back swings, or body checking. Hits are not permitted at any point during the game. Push passes only. The player's stick must be in contact with the ground for shots. A stroke must be played if awarded and only a goalie can stand in goal.
8. Ball Lifting: Can only lift the ball as high as the ankle unless it is a misplay and the lifted ball is not within 5-yards of another player of either team. No aerials are allowed. Lifting is only permitted when shooting on a kitted goalkeeper, using a flick or scoop. Reverse chips are prohibited.
9. Free hits outside the circle must be go the distance of 5-yards prior to entering the circle.
10. Corner Hits: All remaining players not playing on the defensive team must go to the 75-yard line. The striker must keep one foot out of play when taking a corner hit. The pass from the striker must be a push pass and not a drive. Scoring on penalty corner, the ball MUST be brought outside the circle before being played back inside to score. This implies that the ball must be moved outside the 16-yard circle (or striking circle) before being played into the circle for a potential shot on goal. If an offensive player does not bring the ball outside the scoring circle before making an athletic move (pass or shot on goal) this would be considered a foul and the play is awarded to the other team. If an offensive player lifts the ball from outside the scoring circle (presumably on the initial pass or when attempting to play the ball back into the circle), this is considered to be a foul. ​
11. If a penalty stroke is awarded on a non-kitted goalie, the penalty will be played as a stroke on an open net. Only kitted goalies can stand in goal on a penalty stroke.
12. Profanity, aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior is strictly prohibited. Players maybe ejected from the game and asked to leave the sports complex. Additional disciplinary actions may occur depending on the severity of the offense.
13. Only players and team manager/captains are permitted on the player's bench or playing field.
14. There are no time-outs. Play time is a running clock. Play will stop for injuries or other safety reasons but the clock will continue to run.
15. All uniform guidelines apply. Please refer to the league rule book or the uniform guidelines on the by law page.
16. All team managers/captains must have the league rules and by laws present at each game.
17. Players must be 18 yrs of age and not play for a collegiate team.
18. The complete rule book must be provided to each player by the team manager/captain.
19. All players must submit a completed and signed player waiver to WJWFHA 24-hours before taking the field. Any changes or player additions to a team's roster must be completed and submitted by the 3rd week of the season.
20. All players must complete a player waiver for Total Turf and pay the annual membership fee. This can be completed on www.totalturf.net
​
​Indoor Rules Revised 1.4.2025