Catterick Schools Competition - Year 5/6 Hockey

🏑 4v4 Primary School Field Hockey Rules

👥 Teams

• 4 players per team, no goalkeeper.

• Rolling substitutions allowed anytime.

• Minimum 3 players to start or continue a match.

⏱ Match Format

• Two halves of 8–10 minutes (2–3 minute half-time).

• No extra time in group stage. In knockouts, go straight to 3-player shootout if drawn.

🏟 Pitch & Equipment

• Goals: Mini goals or cones (approx. 1m–2m wide).

• Ball: Standard field hockey ball or lightweight junior ball.

• Sticks: Must be junior size, no sharp edges.

⚖️ Game Rules

• No goalkeepers – players can’t use hands or feet.

• Goals must be scored from inside the attacking half.

• Push or slap passes only – no hitting or lifted balls.

• No stick lifting or swinging above the waist.

• Ball must stay below knee height for safety.

• Restart with push-pass for sidelines or goals (like a kick-in).

🟥 Fouls & Safety

• No tackling from behind or using the back of the stick.

• No physical contact, stick checking, or blocking.

• 5m distance for all free passes.

🥇 Scoring & Results

• Win = 3 points, Draw = 1, Loss = 0.

• Tiebreakers: Goal difference → Goals scored → Head-to-head → Shootout (3 per team).

🧡 Fair Play

• Respect all players, coaches, and umpires.

• Encouragement only from sidelines – no coaching during play.

• Mouthguards and shin pads recommended.

• No jewellery or dangerous accessories allowed.