Field hockey has a language all its own.

Spend a few minutes on the sideline and you’ll hear words like corner, stroke, foot, the 25, and give five tossed around as if everyone knows exactly what they mean.

The truth is, of us don’t. At least not at first.

Whether your athlete is just beginning or you’re getting ready for your first middle school or high school season, this guide will help you understand the basics—from the lines on the field to the words you’ll hear during almost every game.

It’s not meant to replace the rulebook.

Think of it as the guide every field hockey parent wishes someone had handed them before their very first game.

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Know the Field

Let’s start with the field itself.

Before you can understand the calls, it helps to know what everyone’s talking about.

Don’t worry about memorizing everything. After a few games you’ll naturally recognize the circle, the 23-meter line (“the 25”), and where penalty corners begin.

What Parents Hear During Games

Now for the part that confuses almost every new parent…

The language on the sidelines can sound like another sport. Before long you’ll catch yourself saying the same things.

A Few Things You’ll Be Glad You Know

Flat side

Unlike hockey or lacrosse, players may only play the ball with the flat side of the stick. Using the rounded back of the stick is a foul.

No offsides

There are no offsides.

Unlike soccer, field hockey does not have an offside rule. Players can move anywhere on the field, which helps keep the game fast and exciting.

The whistle doesn’t always stop play

Sometimes you’ll hear the umpire whistle but notice everyone keeps moving.

That’s because officials can play advantage.

If the team that was fouled still has a good opportunity to continue attacking, play may continue instead of stopping immediately. It keeps the game flowing and avoids rewarding the team that committed the foul.

The 23 / 25

Official field markings are measured in meters, so you’ll hear references to the 23-meter line.

But many coaches, parents, and longtime players still call it “the 25” because the sport once used imperial measurements.

You’ll hear both terms—sometimes during the same game.

Rules change by age

One of the biggest sources of confusion is that not every game follows exactly the same rulebook.

Youth leagues, club tournaments, middle school, high school (NFHS), college (NCAA), and international (FIH) field hockey all have slight differences.

Younger athletes may play on smaller fields, with fewer players and modified rules, while high school, college, and international matches are typically played with 11 players per team (10 field players and 1 goalkeeper) on a full-size field.

Still Confused?

Join the club.

Even parents who have been standing on the sidelines for years still find themselves asking,

“Wait…what was that whistle for?”

The good news is that you’ll learn something every game.

Until then…

Cheer loudly.

Admire the hustle.

Respect the grit.

Support your athlete.

And don’t be afraid to ask another parent a question.

We’ve all been there.

One day you’ll catch yourself explaining what “Give 5!” means to a new parent standing beside you.

Until then, enjoy the game.