Rules Governing the 7 on 7 Summer League

We will be using the 2010 Corner rule

1) The inserted pass must leave the circle before a goal is scored.  The key phrase in the rule is "before a goal is scored".  

Again, by rule, even though you see a shot, it is not considered a shot if the ball did not leave the circle.   We are treating the cage like we would treat the rest of the endline in this situation.  If the ball does not leave the circle and enters the cage by an offensive touch, the whistle is blown and a 16-yard hit is awarded to the opponent.  On the contrary, if the defense causes the ball to go over the endline, the whistle is blown and a long hit is awarded to the offense.  In both scenarios, a no goal signal should be given after the whistle.

2) Free hits outside the 25, just opponents 5 yards away 

    Inside the 25, everyone is 5 yards away.

    Interference from a defender not 5 yards away results in a bumped up foul.  

3) Self Pass Option (SPO) Applies as per regular rules. "Tap and go" Note: When the attacker starts to move the ball, once the defense has cleared the required 5 yards, they are free to tackle.

4) Indirect Circle Entry (ICE) The ball must move 5 yards before entering the circle 

(Pass or Dribble or hit off of a defender)

5) For safety reasons, no driving, no back-swing, or lifting in the circle with the exception of the striker putting the ball in play on the corner.  Lifts outside the circle will be called if deemed dangerous or intimidating.
Note: A team needs at least 4 players to play; 3 players is a forfeit.  Borrowing players is a forfeit. 

The mission of the league is to promote field hockey and provide an opportunity for game time to increase experience especially at the div 2 level.